#\\not the top hat either ag wouldn’t try too hard on costumes

[former-proffessor-and-policeman]

I can’t think of ideas for everyone but these are some Halloween costumes for the crew!

Kisa dressing as ele.os from the reboot me song series, this series is the direct inspiration that started the whole ai arc it only seems fitting for it to be referenced, alternatively Kisa would dress up as sayori from ddlc or the girlfriend from friday night funkin

Ag would have a Sherlock Holmes costume, it’s simply for simplicity and his interest in the morbid, alternatively he’d dress as lemongrab (3rd) from adventure time or viri also from the reboot me series, just to match Kisa, if he couldn’t Kisa would try to convince him to dress up as tours satomi from Magia record, there’s another costume idea for ag but I will put that one in tags bc reasons.

Shiina would dress as princess bubblegum from adventure time, it simply fits her no elaboration on that, alternatively she’d dress as dr victor Frankenstein from the original tale or a simple mechanic costume.

Rei would dress as sae nijima from persona 5, I wouldn’t say sae fits her personality but her voice does match how I imagine rei’s, I can’t really think of any alternative outfits for rei, maybe mistress fairagonda from winx the outfit she wears feels like it’d fit rei.

[queenofnohr]

Twisted Wonderland: Idia Shroud Scary Outfit (R) - Voice Lines + Personal Story

Voice Lines

Summoning Line: Th- th- there are some events even I look forward to…… Is there something wrong with that!? Groovy: Once you see what’s under this helmet, you will never know peace again…… Fuhihihi! Set Home: Wah hah hah! Here comes the Pumpkin Knight~! Home Idle 1: Every time I told Ortho, “Trick or Treat!” he gave me cheap candy, then got mad when I tricked him anyway. Home Idle 2: Events can only be enjoyed if you mind your manners. That rule holds true in every world. Home Idle 3: This is the time of year where every social game has a big event going on, so not having enough time in a day is overwhelmingly apparent…… Home Login: Fuhihi…… Happy Halloween. Huh? What’s with that face? Is it really so strange to see me excited about something? Home Tap 1: Being able to hide my face with the helmet is such a relief…… But it’s a little hard to breathe with it on. Home Tap 2: Wh- What are you going to dress up as……? There’s no way you’d be satisfied with just putting on a headband or hat and calling it a day, right? Home Tap 3: Lions are supposed to be members of the cat family, but Leona isn’t soothing at all like them. *sigh*, I wanna bury my face in a cat’s fur. Home Tap 4: I can guarantee it. Otaku who hate Halloween…… Don’t exist! Home Tap 5: Fuhihi…… The armor is quite durable since it was made with a 3D printer. How much did it cost to make? If you care about that sorta stuff, you’ll lose.

Personal Story: I’ve Done a Good Job~

-Ignihyde Dorm-

Idia: I finally completed my Pumpkin Knight costume~!! *sigh*...... It was so hard to balance doing limited-time events in online games and making my costume…… The amount of times I ended up watching the whole movie even though I only meant to check the costume’s accuracy is too many to count. But what else did I expect from “Pumpkin Hollow?” It’s a masterpiece among all of horror movie history. Mysterious incidents that happen one after another in a peaceful village surrounded by fog. Villagers found with their forms completely changed. And then the culprit, the Pumpkin Knight who has a pumpkin for a head, confronts the two investigators dispatched to uncover the truth surrounding the incidents! Not to mention the complete lack of CGI in this day and age due to the director’s enthusiasm and commitment to making full use of various practical effects, and of course, who could forget the totally unexpected and outrageous plot twist of the investigators quitting their jobs and becoming pumpkin farmers after being charmed by the cursed pumpkin! You can only get this stuff from B-grade horror!! I totally understand its deep-rooted popularity with hardcore fans. I also handcrafted all the costume parts from scratch to give the original my utmost respect. Taking into consideration the need to march in a parade, the helmet and armor were made with highly-durable yet ultra-light polyurethane. The vines affixed to the base of the armor are made from highly flexible silicon. It makes for a realistic reproduction of vines’ natural curves and volume. Now then, not being able to move, or the whole thing falling apart pathetically…… those are catastrophes I’d like to avoid at all costs. I’ll put the cursed pumpkin on my head…… there we go. Alright, all ready to take a test run outside. There seem to be lots of people on campus, but…… I wonder if that place will be okay?

-Woods Behind Campus-

Idia: The elbows have sufficient mobility, and there are no problems with the strength of the joints either. Hmmm, it’s actually really comfortable to wear! As expected of me, I’ve done a good job~. (However, the head parts need adjustment. Visibility is poor because my top priority was making it look like it was hollow.) (I wonder if I could put a small camera at the top of the helmet and run the feed to view on a head mounted display……) *mutter mutter*……

Crash!

Idia: Uwah……!? Ouch…… Did I trip on something? It’s difficult to see near my feet, so I’ll have to make improvements to that, too…… Leona: You bastard, get off of my stomach, now! You’ve got some nerve to use me as a rug. Idia: Eek, that’s Leona’s voice! S-s-s- sorry, I didn’t think there’d be anyone around! I’ll get out of your sight immediately, so……

Clang, clang...

Leona: Ow! Oi, don’t move so suddenly, Pumpkin-boy! You’re gonna rip my tail off! Idia: Eh, your tail!? This is bad, I can’t see anything with the pumpkin on…… (Oh crap, the end of Leona’s tail is tangled with the ivy parts on the costume!) (My commitment to remaining faithful to the original is backfiring……) Leona: Tch, so it’s you. You rarely go outside, and yet you have the nerve to get into trouble. Hurry up and do something about this. Idia: Awawawawa…… (Using that tone while he’s knocked on the ground! He must be livid!) (“This ill-tempered guy’s tail got caught on my armor and now I’m in a tight spot,” is so not a “My hair got caught on his clothes, kyaa~ ☆ meet cute,” kind of plot hook.) (No, I don’t have the luxury of thinking about that in this situation.) J- Just hold on…… I’ll get it unstuck right away…… (Even though I said that, isn’t it impossible in this position? The range of movement in my arm is restricted, so I can’t reach at all.) Leona: ...... Idia: (Ah—! This is bad—! The more I try getting it unstuck, the more tangled it gets!) Leona: *growl*...... Don’t put your hands all over my tail. Idia: No, he’s the one who has more hands free, right? Could he help out a bit more? Actually, in the first place, this totally isn’t a place he should be napping, right? He’s totally cutting class...... He’s the one who blocked the path in the first place…… Isn’t he so proud of how tall he is? I’m not the one at fault, Leona is the one who should be apologizing…... Leona: ......Oi, I can hear everything you’re saying. Idia: H- Huh!? I- I was just joking…… hehe. (Oh, that’s right. Beastmen have really good hearing.) Leona: *sigh*...... You’re slow and inefficient. You don’t have scissors or anything, do you? Idia: A- Actually I do. I brought a repair kit just in case the costume broke…… huh!? (No way, is Leona gonna cut his own fur!?) Leona: Good grief, took you long enough. Idia: (Is he for real? Isn’t this a cool-guy maneuver only reserved for pretty-boys in manga!?)

Thud!

Idia: Huh? Thud? WHAAAAAT!?!?!?!?! You cut the vines I worked so hard on——!!! Leona: You were being too slow so I cut it myself. You should be thanking me. Idia: ...... Leona: Aren’t you glad it was me you tripped over? If it was someone scaaaa~ry it wouldn’t have ended this amicably, now would it? Honestly, aimlessly walking about with a tacky pumpkin on your head. You’re a real nuisance. See ya. Idia: ............ ......H- Huh~~~!? Did he just call the Pumpkin Knight tacky? He must not have eyes if he doesn’t understand the charm of this design……! That’s why I can’t stand Savanaclaw students; they’re all so rowdy…… Though I pity him for not being able to comprehend the greatness of the Pumpkin Knight. Just you wait! By the time the parade rolls around, I’ll have the equipment completely upgraded! And he’ll recognize just how cool the Pumpkin Knight is!

-

*Small note; I usually use (parenthesis) interchangeably for both whispering/talking quietly to oneself and for internal monologue that is put in parenthesis in the game itself. Here, however, since Idia uses both and it’s important to differentiate between them, (internal monologue is in parenthesis like this), while whispered dialogue is completely italicized, like this.

[windermeresimblr]

Story Process Challenge

I was tagged by @danjaley and @treason-and-plot (in alphabetical order, not tagging order). Thank you both so much!

Summary: My process makes sense to myself alone and it’s very much a work in progress! Also, I’m very boring and don’t do gifs or videos, so you’ll just have to look at my screenshots. Sorry!

This is behind the jump for length.

1. Your writing process - show us a part of your script or explain how you write your scenes. Do you write in screenplay format or novel format? Etc, etc.

I write in novel format if it’s a wholly-posed story, mostly because that’s easier for me than a script. I feel like it really helps build the ~aesthetic~ of a scene that way. For my attempts at partially-posed/gameplay stories, I’ve gone for screenplay format, but it’s very new to me and I feel much more comfortable with the novel format. I usually write in Google Docs, since that can go with me everywhere and I can write on my lunch hour/waiting for my mom to get out of the pharmacy/etc, but sometimes I will write in Notepad. 

(Yes, this IS a flashback to Alasdair and Ma. Yolanda meeting; they were perfect teenage hellions causing chaos at a society party, don’t worry.)

2. Scene building - show us you in the middle of scene building through pictures, gifs, or a video. Explain what is the best thing about scene building and what is the worst!

I’m still learning how to make a very good scene build; this is where being a historical player kind of hurts. It’s hard to get a good sense of what a 1810s Spanish drawing room or a 1600s merchant’s house in Amsterdam really looked like without abusing my library privileges! (Images from Wikipedia and historical sites only go so far.) The best thing about scene-building is when the vision of the room in my head matches the room that’s in-game, which is pretty difficult. The worst thing about scene building is that I’m very perfectionistic and a control freak, which does not help, and frequently I do get lost in the details and can’t see the forest for the trees. 

(This isn’t a scene, it’s that Iron Age Roundhouse, but it’s a good example of how I do things--all the lights on, everything bright white paint or the $0 floor until I am happy with the shape and placement, and then I decorate.) 

3. CC/Pose Making - do you make your own cc/poses for your scene? If so, what is your process like to create? Do you just go off the top of your head? Do you use reference photos?

I’d love to be able to make my own CC and poses specifically for scenes! I’m still very new at CC-making--see my hats collection--and again, I’m very much a control freak. I use a lot of reference photos, especially historical costuming sites and books, because it gives me a lot of pride to have the clothing and accessories look just right. 

The creation process is usually: gosh, I need a crispinette/gable hood/palla/whatever for this character, let me see if there’s a mesh from TS2 or TS4 that I can wrangle into submission if I can’t repurpose an existing mesh, and then a prolonged period of fighting with Milkshape and TSRW and other programs until it looks serviceable and works. I’m not very technically skilled yet.

I don’t make my own poses--I’d love to, I have a hand-spinning poseset idea living rent-free in my mind at all times, complete with a drop spindle accessory, but I’m not very confident with Blender or hand accessories, etc. When I pose my Sims, I do use reference photos if I haven’t already planned out how they’re moving around in the scene. (Well, reference paintings, usually, although sometimes I’m lucky enough to find reenactment photos!)

4. Getting in the zone - What do you do to get in the zone to work on a scene? Examples include: show us your playlist you use when working on a scene, what’s your go-to scene snack/drink, etc.

I don’t know if I get into a zone as much as I just carve out time to work on things as I can. I don’t have playlists for my characters. (Not a Deaf thing; I just haven’t really...had the urge to do that. I’m worried I’m a neglectful Simmer now, ha ha.) I don’t have a go-to writing snack or drink. I just...try to relax a bit, usually, and sometimes I will look at my past chapters to see what we were doing last time. 

5. Screenshot folder - give us a look into your screenshot folder to show us just how much goes into ONE scene for your story. (Scrapped pictures encouraged!!!)

Do you REALLY want to see this? Really? I’m an AWFUL packrat. I try to organize it and I can’t. (Sorry. I’m very messy.)

6. Captions - are you a caption on the picture kind of storyteller or captions in text box type of storyteller? Why? Do you do both?

Captions and text go in the text box.

I’d love to be able to put dialogue in speech bubbles, because it seems cool, but I talk too much! (This is the same reason why I kind of go back and forth with Netflix-style captions. I don’t know when to shut up.) I also worry that the captions wouldn’t be visible in scenes with low lighting or overly-bright lighting. 

7. Editing!!!!! - explain and show us your process editing a scene through a video, gif, or picture. A Before and after will suffice if you aren’t in the middle of editing a scene as you answer this.

Philomena, before...

Philomena, after. (This is one of those images where I just threw up my hands at the hair editing. I wish TS3 had hat chops like TS4 did.)

I’m really not confident with editing--I want to have my pictures look aesthetically pleasing, consistent with the other images in the chapter, and “nice” in general. It doesn’t help that while I’m 95% Maxis-match, my aesthetic inspiration for scenes changes with the wind. I use pooklet’s lighting actions, and then from there I tend to use the Holy Colors, Batman actions. But I’m trying to find my own way of doing things--reliant on others’ actions, yes, but more consistently done and somehow conveying that it’s “of my workshop.”

8. Throwback-  show us an ANCIENT story scene you did in the past and explain how you would do the scene differently today!

First: I think I’d choose a different pose for Vicar Max here. (It doesn’t quite fit; why would he be staring at Alasdair like that? It’s more of a mid-conversation pose.) I liked how it looked like Alasdair was genuflecting as he sat in the pew, but again, the pose needs to be changed. I might just go for neutral sitting-and-talking-looking-straight-ahead poses. 

This was one of those pictures taken when I was trying to understand Reshade, so I’d obviously skip that. I’d also add Pooklet’s lighting actions, of course.

It’s definitely not lit well in the back--I’m not sure how I’d change that. I didn’t want to lose the “quiet chapel” feel, but there has to be a balance, not letting the characters look like they’re spotlit. 

The angle also looks weird, but I’m horrible at angles; I have a lot to learn still.  I’d either close-up on the faces or I’d zoom out more. (I think I was having issues with Alasdair on the OMSP, for some reason.)

I tag whoever would like to do this!

[kwinsispn3]

Costume Party

anon request: Hello again, my friend. SPN Sister!Reader fic, pretty please! Sister is invited to a Halloween party(you can determine type of party: High School, College, its up to you ;) One requirement: Sexy Costumes are mandatory. Again, you can decide the type of costume. Prior to leaving, sisters costume is revealed to S&D & needless to say, they are gobsmacked by what they are seeing, "You call that scrap of clothing a costume?!", which leads to an argument(Too protective uptight) & eventual Fluff. Thxs!

Word Count: 1,380 

A/N: Hey y’al! I’m back (for the most part). Sorry, that break that I took ended up being just a little longer than I wanted it to be, but I want to get back on track here. I have a few requests right now that I will be writing so just hold on tight! Here is one, I know it ain’t halloween anymore but I loved this story idea. Enjoy! (I just had to throw in a mean girls gif, thats the first thing I thought of lol).

It was the month of October, which meant celebrating Halloween all month. Halloween was your favorite holiday, not only was it all about scary costumes and candy, but it was like celebrating hunters all month. And since Sam was all about you being normal and going to school, that meant a lot of Halloween parties going on. 

You and a few of your friends were invited to a Halloween party...... a college halloween party. Ever since you decided to go to the community college not to far from the bunker, you had been meeting a lot more people and getting invited to things. This one was different though. College halloween party meant scandalous costumes. 

You and your friends had been discussing on what to wear. You thought it would be fun to match or have a theme for the group. You decided on something easy and not too matchy matchy. You and all your friends were going to be different professions. Nurse, secretary, maid, firefighter, etc. You chose to be a sexy cop. 

You knew Sam and Dean would throw a fit if they knew what you were planning on wearing to this party, especially knowing there'd be boys there. So you came up with a plan.

The trip to the party store was fun. Looking through all of the different wigs, hats, props, and disguises was interesting. You picked out a pair of fake handcuffs, a badge, a hat, and a few other items to put an outfit together. 

..................

It was the night of the party and you were super excited to meet up with your friends. You looked in each direction in the hallway outside your room before closing the door and locking it. You threw on your costume which consisted of fishnets, a low cut top, high boots, and a skirt so short that you'd be grounded for a week if either of your brothers saw. You then squeezed into a pair of black pants and put on the cop jacket you bought at the party store. Glancing in the mirror, it covered up pretty much everything you didn't want your brothers to see.

Your phone dinged, as it was a text from one of your friends asking when you'd be there. You replied and touched up your makeup before leaving the room to head out. 

Your boot heels clicked on the hard flooring and echoed through out the bunker halls. Sam and Dean looked up at the noise to see you strutting down the hallway in your “costume”.

“I’m going to a halloween party with my friends, I should be back before 1 am.” You told your brothers.

“So, what are you supposed to be?” Dean asked.

“A cop... duh.” You mocked, jingling your fake handcuffs in the air.

“Where’s this party at, and who is hosting it?” Sam asked out of curiosity.

“A few kids from school are throwing it and it’s off Sunset and Park right by town.” You explained.

“Woah, woah, you said kids from school? So this is a college party?” Dean asked.

“Uh, yeah, not like I haven't been to one.” You sassed.

“Hey! Do not give me attitude. College parties can be crazy and risky.” Dean warned.

“How would you know? You never went to college.” You smirked, earning a laugh from Sam. Dean flashed Sam the dirtiest of dirty looks and inhaled sharply.

“Look, I know how kids your age are, and I just don’t want you making any bad decisions or running into problems with people, especially boys.” Dean made himself very clear.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m just going so I can hang out with my friends, I don't plan on doing anything stupid.” You reassured.

“Alright, well. Be home by 11.” Dean said.

“12!” You told him as you walked towards the door.

“11.” He said sternly. 

“12!” You shouted behind you as you ran out the door.

..................

As soon as you got in one of the bunker cars, you took off the extra layers you put on to pass Sam and Dean, revealing your real costume. You drove to the address that was sent out and looked around for a parking spot. You met up with your friends outside the booming house, complimenting each others costumes, you all went in together. Yup, it was pretty much like every other house party. Very little lighting, music blaring, red solo cups everywhere, loud drunk kids. 

You poured yourself a drink and stood to talk to your friends, when one of your friends noticed a guy staring at you.

“Y/N, he is totally checking you out.” Mallory pointed out.

You looked over your shoulder, trying to act natural. “No he’s not.”

“Would you think I was kidding if I told you he was walking this way?” Mallory giggled.

You turned around and bumped into him. His drink spilled a little on your top.

“Shit, I am so sorry.” He spoke, reaching for a paper towel.

“No, don’t worry about it. Black shirt, can't even notice it.” You said, though you did notice the smell of the alcohol that was in whatever he was drinking.

“I’m Matt.” He smiled.

“Y/N. I don't think we’ve met.” You smiled back, looking up at him.

“It’s a shame we haven't.” His eyes looked at you up and down.

You ended up talking with Matt for the majority of the night. You had a few drinks with him, but making sure it wasn't too many to make you lose your head. You got his number at the end of the night and happily swayed to your car. 

You got home around midnight. You knew you shouldn’t have been driving since you were a little buzzed, but you didn't speed and made it home. Totally forgetting about what time it was and what you were wearing, you slipped into the bunker like it was nothing.

And of course, Dean had waited up for you. Normally he wouldn't have a reason to be mad since you were home on time, but this time was a little different.

His eyes widened as he saw you walk past him. 

“Wha- wa-wait a minute. Y/N! Get back here.” He said sternly.

You stumbled back and stood in front of him. And boy did he look pissed.

“What in Chuck’s name are you wearing!” He yelled.

“What, Dean, its halloween. This is my costume.” You said innocently.

“You call that scrap of clothing your costume??!!” His voice boomed.

“Uh, yeah.” You shrugged, not really knowing how to get yourself out of this one.

“Why do you smell like booze.” Dean pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Cause, I was surrounded by drunk people, and I’m not one of those, so goodnight.” You turned around.

“Y/N Y/M/N, you get back here right now! Do not walk away from me!” He yelled. 

“Ugh, what do you want me to say Dean. I’m being normal. A normal, non-hunting teenager who just went to a party. I was safe, and I made sure to be home on time, okay?” You explained.

“I get it okay, but you..... dressing like that! I don’t like it Y/N. I’m glad that you’re going to school and that you have friends, but don’t dress like that. I am not going to let my baby sister be seen like that. Unacceptable.” Dean said.

“Okay, okay. I won’t do it again, I’m sorry. I’ll go change.” You apologized.

“Yes, change into a turtleneck. And take a shower so you don't smell like that.” Dean called out.

“Smell like what? You?” You laughed.

“Don’t start that!” Dean yelled. Your phone started buzzing and you pulled it out to see who it was. It was Matt. You smiled and walked away.

“Who's that?” Dean asked, poking his heat out a little.

“No one.” You giggled.

“Is that a boy?!” Dean’s voice rose. You giggled more as you retreated into the hall.

You turned the corner and passed Sam in the hall as he was walking out of his room.

“Hey Sammy.” You said with a smile.

“Hey Y/N.” He said back. 

You continued to walk to your room. Sam stopped in his tracks and took a double take, turning around and noticed what you were wearing.

“What the......”

“DEAN!”

Tags 

@jackjackljaqui​ @hunting-the-grievers @susan-is-in-the-house @flirtyonsie @mersuperwholocked-lowlife​ @justsomedreaming​

[ink-beneath-her-fingernails]

BNHA/MHA First Watch-Through Notes

1x01

these are... stupid... and... a mess. bc I am stupid and a mess. you have had your warning. I didn’t even go back and skim through this when I was done I’m just releasing these little bastard thoughts into the void they’re not my problem now

I’m watching dubbed btw

I know, I know... it’s the only one I have access to rn tho

I... do not know how to feel about funimation’s new intro?

well I guess it’s not really new but

listen I haven’t watched anything of funimation’s since the og fruits basket ok I’m used to the DUN-DUN *funimation* ((....you should be watching))

he is. babie. green babie.

but also why do these small children have such wild hair colors

I mean I’m here for it

I just wasn’t expecting it

oH SHIT THEY GOT POWERS POWERS

so this is the famous deku

I’m guessing this is like a flashback or memory or something?

I missed the bully’s name

speaking of the bullies, they changed order? It was wings, fire, stretchy hands, but now it’s fire, stretchy hands, wings. I know that they probably wanted to show the “leader” closest and that’s why but,,

also wtf?? these are kids. like bullies should not be a thing, I think we can all agree on that, but yeah, it’s gonna happen. but these kids are, what? eight? nine? maybe their powers (’quirks,’ whatever) aren’t super powerful yet, but this blonde kid has fire powers. has nobody talked to them about just how dangerous this is? forget roughing the other two up or intimidating them or giving them a hard time, this could genuinely escalate and get way out of hand super fast, and someone could get seriously injured.

oof. boy is dead.

this eight year old (purple hair) sounds like he’s a thirty yo new teacher trying to sound hip and cool but also wise and knowing to his class who Does Not Care

OH

that wasn’t purple kid?? that was current deku???

wack

then this fourteen year old sounds like he’s a thirty yo new teacher trying to sound hip and cool but also wise and knowing to his class who Does Not Care

also they were four?

jeepers heckin criminey who starts beating people up at four years old

have to say though, I loved that sky-to-puddle transition

jiminey fucking crickets I’m not even a minute into the episode these notes are going to be stupidly long I’m sorry

!! I love his little skipping-dance thing when he’s impatient at the crosswalk!

alright... I’ll admit it... his character design is pretty adorable

also tf is that thing

it looks half shark half poorly drawn dog

I mean I get it’s probably a person and that’s their quirk or whatever but

did this kid just run all the way across the city just to watch this guy start shit at the station so he could see the heroes take him down??

I mean respect tbh but also priorities kid

also I really appreciate that the cops are just kind of calmly directing everyone and everyone else is just kind of chillin like “oh. another villain. that’s too bad.” like tbh that’s one of the things that always kind of annoys me about movies and shows like this where there’s like repeatedly villain attacks because yes they are scary, especially when you’re caught up in them, but if you’re just kind of there and not directly in the action or being directly threatened, then why are you freaking out? you’ve lived in this city for how long? there’s an attack every, what, two days? this isn’t routine for you by now?

I started this like 15 min ago and am only like a minute and a half into the ep smh

ngl this intro kinda pops off

that hero guy seemed... kind of evil lookin tho

love the animation oml

also the lyrics to this are great???

OH IS THAT A NARRATIVE FOIL I SEE IMPLIED THERE

I THINK IT IS

“and they were narrative foils” “oh my god they were narrative foils”

k ngl rewinding real quick bc I missed some of the intro and there’s always so much fun stuff to see and unpack in those

also I wanna read all the lyrics

k so I was wondering this before but I’m just gonna say it... why does the hero guy have rabbit ears

alright character designs lookin p fire so far

last guy I keep missing but he kind of looks like steven universe?? idk I still have to watch that show too tbh so,,,

does the big hero guy turn into a giant bird?

oh that intro got me excited for this

these characters look so lit!!

“the first incident?” so this isn’t just like a natural factor of their world? it hasn’t always been going on? there was, like, a definitive start to it all? was that kid really the first incident or the first one they noticed? was that actually the first incident or is it just like the commonly told first incident, like an old myth/legend/folktale/old wive’s tale?

interesting that it started with a baby and then moved to people of all ages?

oh they don’t know the cause of the quirks? interesting

((why do I feel like finding out the answer to that is gonna be like A Big Thing™ at some point in the series))

I really like the visuals they put with this exposition?? idk why it’s just,,, very appealing

also his voice is very nice to listen to tbh, so that’s a definite plus

I hate it when the main character’s voice is super annoying

but like how long ago was it that this started? he just said “before long”

I like that in this universe they actually acknowledge that hey comic books are a thing and this whole superheroes/villains/powers thing is kind of ridiculous bc it’s legit like playing out scenes straight from those comic books but also this is real life and it’s actually happening and really does pose a lot of danger and complications to a lot of people, so we’re going to treat it as something real and serious and affecting us

I might’ve spoken too soon but I really hope they don’t blow that mindset

I feel like too often superhero shows/movies just either completely gloss over the effects this stuff has on society as a whole, or it’s like a completely new thing for them, like there’s never been the concept of a fictional superhero or a comic book there before.

“was an age of heroes”??? oh no what happens

k but why is this guy dressed like the ‘do not cross’ lines

kind of a lame hero costume tbh :/

why. does he have. sleeves. but no shirt.

edna mode would never do you like that honey go see her

“Death Arms”?? what kind of alias is that?? also wouldn’t it make more sense for arms to be uncovered than his chest, then??

“The Punching Hero”

I’m sorry I Cannot take this guy seriously

waterbending??

asdkfdls idk why but this firehose guy really reminds me of that one alchemist from fmab with the top hat and the monocle and the peg leg that spun like a top and Scar murked

“rescue specialist” see?? that makes sense!! it makes me so happy that they’re actually thinking more about the worldbuilding and how dangerous scenarios would work if 80% of the population had powers of different kinds, beyond “big bad guy meet big good guy. punch punch good guy wins”

also dear god thank you for putting someone on crowd control I know I was just saying it was great these people weren’t really treating this like the end of the world and it is good that they were mostly staying back by themselves but. they were still standing very close to an ongoing fight. priorities, people. self preservation. they are things. that I do not believe most people in superhero universes have in the slightest.

aww he’s too short

(but is he shorter than edward elric)

((do we know))

(((somebody please tell me if this information is available)))

alsdfkj l;a that guy calling in late bc the train got held up by the villain... do you think that’s another equivalent of “oh...I’m...sick... yeah, totally, I’m sick” and “my dog ate my homework” to them? “there was a villain attack” or “some idiot on my block decided to show off their quirk and it got out of hand”

ope Big Hero™ is here

...why am I surprised that they have fans?? I mean I guess that makes sense they’re basically celebrities and public figures right?

okay Big Hero™ is Kamui got it

wait no that is not the Big Hero™

but they are another hero and their name is Kamui got it

“Kamui Woods” ok that’s actually helpful I was gonna ask what his skin was supposed to be bc I didn’t think it was scales and it does look kind of like bark... Now going to take that as permission to assume it’s the latter

kamui kind of reminds me of some pokemon but I’m not sure which one?? I’m sorry idk pokemon v well but thy def remind me of one of them

“...a fAnBOY” he looks and sounds like he just tricked someone into confessing to murder why is he so smug about that smh

you know what. speaking of. I don’t get why everyone views being a fan of something/someone as something to be embarrassed or ashamed about?? why do people make fun of other people for it? why do we treat it like some big dark secret we try to hide? when did liking something become a bad thing? like?? sorry I have hobbies and interests and you don’t? sorry I think this person is talented? sorry I thought this book was life-changing? sorry I listen to this album so much because it’s good? sorry this show made me laugh during a really rough time? like goddamn it’s nobody’s business what you like unless you’re trying to force it on you when you’ve asked them to stop or it’s hurting someone? if they’re being safe and respectful about it for everyone involved then there shouldn’t be a problem? stop making people feel like freaks or be scared to enjoy something just a little too much? just let people have good things in life and consume the media that makes them happy? it has little to no effect on you? I don’t get why it’s you’re problem?? sorry to get all soapboxy this is something that’s always really annoyed me

does kamui have flowers on their belt

icon

k but isn’t wood like... really easy to break tho

I mean... comparatively speaking?

“illegal use of powers during rush hour traffic” alsfjsadlkf

wait so he’s listing charges for the guy, does that mean heroes are officially licensed here and can actually arrest people? and... actually work with law enforcement?? gasp no wait but I thought that was impossible except for The One Officer On The Inside That The Hero Has Convinced Of Their Cause™

hold up... “assault, robbery, and illegal use of powers during rush hour traffic... you are the incarnation of evil” ...bro chill lmao

I mean those aren’t good things but,,,, buddy “evil” can get so much worse holy shit sunflower child has no idea what’s in store for them

the show can do a hell of a lot even if they decide not to go that dark

well deku did say he was new

also off topic but I just looked it up and DEKU IS HALF A FOOT TALLER THAN ED

I’M SORRY BUT THAT’S HILARIOUS

CAN YOU IMAGINE THIS EXCITED GREEN CHILD MEETING ED THE GREMLIN ELRIC AND JUST TOWERING OVER HIM

he’d probably get along well w al though so ed would have to like him anyways

ok but back to bnha

ope kamui just got upstaged

but honestly?? he was actin a lil cocky and she seems like a queen so I ain’t mad about it

oh great creeps are everywhere apparently

YES THANK YOU THEY NEED TO INCLUDE SUPERPOWERS IN LEGISLATION SOMEHOW OTHERWISE PEOPLE CAN GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING GEEZ

just. more worldbuilding that I appreciate.

jfc they muzzled him?

ok i wasn’t that mad about kamui being upstaged (idk why I kinda like the guy) but now she’s acting a little too cocky for me and I feel kind of bad for Death Arms and Backdraft (?) because they definitely do deserve at least a little credit

yes. official. overseen by the government. I’m not saying it’s necessarily a good idea bc I’m not getting into the whole mess the MCU basically did regarding that, but it really does add to the worldbuilding and making it seem more realistic/draw you in a little more because you can bet that would be a thing that would actually happen in some capacity if such a large percentage of the population had superpowers, and crime was at an all-time high at the same time, with normal methods without powers likely not doing much to combat that, and it being even harder because everyone’s is different

wow so they really do have roles similar to celebrities huh?

I actually love how he’s analyzing the new hero

that’s!! the good!!! nerdery!!!!

ngl thought that guy was gonna be like “well that’s never gonna happen” lmao glad he didn’t turn out to be an asshole

this guy’s hair and his sweater need an upgrade

I’m sorry honey it’s just not a Look™

I mean ngl I’d probably wear it but also I am the absolute last person to look to for a good idea of fashion so

wow we hate asshole teachers

this kid’s hair grows wtf

they seriously just break out their quirks when they get annoyed?? I mean me too probably but

oh wait he’s not totally an asshole

but that still is kind of a dick move because even if it seems really really likely that most of them do, a lot of them probably feel like that’s just what’s expected of them or that that’s their best bet at an ok life, or they don’t think they’ll actually be able to get a career as a hero, and he has to know that there are kids (or at least one) in his class who don’t have powers and who will probably be shut down at every turn on that career track??

also what is it with the absurd number of people whose hair grows/flys/whatever and whose hands change chape and/or elongate

the girl who just throws up the rock n roll sign is my favorite

also why does this teacher remind me of gilderoy lockhart

I get that his eye thing is part of his quirk... but does he face no consequences health-wise from putting his grubby fingers all over his eyeballs?? you don’t know where your hands have been

ah

the famed bakugo

we finally meet

you seem like a cocky asshole and if I remember correctly you have firepowers

you know who else seemed like cocky assholes and one point or another and had firepowers??

roy mustang and zuko

and one of those guys is an awkward, angry turtleduck, and the other one is a rightly smug bastard who succeeded in pulling a coup on the government who was surveilling him and holding half his team hostage

so yeah I have a feeling I’m gonna like this guy

probably

at some point

eventually

it might take a while

“the only place worthy of me” oh dear

All Might!! Big Hero™ has a name!!

oh being a hero solely bc you want to be rich and popular? lame

aklsdfsjaslkfd teach just callin deku out in front of everyone

r.i.p.

it was nice having you as a main character for eight whole minutes I’m sorry you have to face death-by-embarrassment you deserved better

ope

bakugo doesn’t want anyone stealin his thunder

lemme guess deku is also his Main Rival™ or at least will be

awwwww poor guy

how much you wanna bet he gets the highest scores in all the exams bc he studies the heroes so much and that’s how he gets in

that lady got forcefields for her quirk? damn she lucked out

“this cash is mine” *drops cash*

are all the heroes like fine mt. lady can deal w the guy she keeps stealing all our credit anyway so there’s no point??

....is that all might?

k but... y’all should be taking notes on the heroes too if you want a better chance at that career and better schools for it? I know they’re probably making fun of it bc he doesn’t have a quirk but still

also I find it really interesting that the kids all act like the quirks are absolutely everything but at that scene on the street earlier people were complaining about missing the days they didn’t have to worry about “every rando w a quirk” or something... like maybe it’s because the kids grew up w it? Idk just the difference in mindset between (presumably) generations seems cool to look into

wow we love bullies so much

no we don’t pls stop you’re not as cool as you think you are

DESTROYING SOMEONE’S NOTEBOOK/JOURNAL/SKETCHBOOK IS ONE OF THE MOST DICK MOVES SOMEONE CAN MAKE CHANGE MY MIND

alright bakugo you’ve definitely moved onto my shitlist for the moment

don’t stay there

well you know what they say about greatness... some people are destined for it, yeah, but some become it, and some have it thrust upon them

cliches are there for a reason buddy

and either way... I could be wrong but... there doesn’t seem like anything great or heroic about bullying people... I mean idk that’s just my opinion but

god I hope they eat bakugo alive at ua

deku I know you’re a sunshine child but you have to get in now. you have to. out of pure spite. please.

yeah, friend 1b is right buddy...

destroy him deku

DESTROY THEM DEKU

oh suicide jokes huh

bakugo you’re on thin fucking ice you’ve just moved way up in my shit list

wow I hate him <3

EXACTLY

THANK YOU DEKU

I hate it when shows have someone make a suicide joke like that and just? no one addresses it?? or the characters don’t seem to realize that it needs addressing, at least to themselves??? so this is refreshing

voiced my thoughts exactly

he really is an idiot

NO BUDDY YOUR DREAMS ARE STILL POSSIBLE AND VALID

YOUR NOTES ARE SALVAGEABLE

he really is a jerk deku you’re right

awww little deku is so cute

alright I’m gonna make a prediction

this is his mom right

is this gonna be

another

dead anime mom?

and lemme guess she always told him she was sure he’d be a hero/she knew he’d become one, and then she died, and that’s why he’s so set on it

probably not

but just... placing my bets now

w h a t  is this child doing

he’s a hair’s breadth away from head-desking

are we... just gonna... ignore that robbery that was happening on the street a few minutes ago

OKAY WE GET IT YOU’RE HERE CAN YOU GO BACK TO SAVING PEOPLE THEY’RE STILL IN DANGER

HIS CACKLES I CAN’T

alsdkjf;lsjk I feel bad for him but also,,, that transition was gold

but also the face his mom made before he started laughing... she knew he probably wouldn’t get one didn’t she

but why do they assume it won’t happen if they don’t get it by a certain age? they said after that baby people all around the world were getting powers, and showed people of all different ages when they said so. that implies that they got those powers at those ages, after the baby was born but not when they were children themselves? like yeah there’s probably some point where you’d consider them “aged out” and therefore less likely to get a quirk but... she just said he’s in kindergarten.

fourth generation? so the appearance of quirks isn’t a super recent thing then

they can tell if someone is going to manifest a quirk or is starting to by looking at x-rays?

also I know I’m seriously overusing the word “interesting” but

maybe I’m reading too far into this but it’s also kind of interesting that his father and his (current) main antagonist have such similar powers?

OH!!!! lore drop!! kind of!!! that’s a really interesting (wow there it is again) thing they chose to be an indicator for that kind of thing in this universe

*cue izuku contemplating chopping off his pinky toes*

I feel like... all might’s... not gonna be that great....

DEAR LORD HOW MANY TEARS CAN THIS CHILD HOLD IN HIS EYES

also ngl when little deku’s eyes are wide and he doesn’t move he looks really creepy and kind of like a child-sized doll

like pinocchio

how sure are we that deku isn’t made of wood

hmmmmmmmmm I do love this animation

ah Internal Angst™

the fuck is that laughter??

skin suit? no thanks

but guess we aren’t ignoring that earlier scene

yeah all might’s in the city alright

he’s gonna break this up isn’t he

yepppppp that’s him

idk I think alex louise armstrong did it better sorry bud :/

“texas smash”??

he just... punched liquid apart

this kid’s still gonna go flying and hit the ground hard buddy thanks for your help

oh he stuck around

and he’s not hurt too bad

“justicing”

he’s using the city’s sewer system being difficult to navigate as his excuse for why he wasn’t paying attention to keeping bystanders safe like he “usually” does?

the armstrongs do the sparkle better

a;ldkfsdlfls this is really funny to watch ngl

“that’s... a pretty good point.” yeah no shit lmao

I love how he’s just. awkwardly patting deku.

yeah he’s gonna end up accidentally adopting this kid isn’t he

is he hurt?? or did the other guy actually take him over while deku was unconscious??

nah I think he’s just hurt I’m p sure he really did get the guy

but still

that was... a big boom.... that’s not good

he’s just.... abandoning this kid on the rooftop??

but also he probably really does have to go if blood is coming out of his mouth

do heroes in this universe have secret identities?

I feel like yes but also no??

watch as this guy’s like “I don’t have a quirk either” and he’s just. like. an armstrong or something

that or he’s gonna crush this kid’s dreams and be like “no, it’s not possible” and I will be forced to ensure deku becomes the most successful hero ever out of Even More Pure Spite™ even if he idolizes the guy

oh yeah he’s gonna get his dreams crushed

IS ALL MIGHT GONNA VOUCH FOR HIM AND GET HIM AN OPPORTUNITY AT UA BC HE FEELS BAD FOR HIM

hmm this outro kinda slaps too

overall feelin good, like it so far, definitely think I won’t have trouble continuing watching at least for now

[lilyxareum-blog]

( bae joohyun (irene), cisfemale, she / her ) — Welcome back, HAN AREUM. I’m surprised you’re still ( a ) Costume Specialist ! Congrats ! You’re TWENTY-EIGHT years old ? Our agents usually don’t last that long ! :O I see you’ve been given a BORDER COLLIE. Funny how it seems they work harder than you ! Can’t wait for another lovely day of you being KIND. Though, if we’re being honest, we really know you’re more ANXIOUS. Welp, have a good at work, Agent LILY. I really don’t care ! I’m a robot, I have no feelings.

Hello, hello everyone!! Its Lina, your, classic, anxious and panicky mun of Areum that’s always active on discord and never got her pages done (*sobs* I’m sorry, Areum–) I don’t have a plots page nor a bio page for now (Which I SWEAR I’M WORKING ON), as well as a plots page, but I do have her profile up! Here’s some plot ideas, as well as information about Areum that you’d need to know!!

History:

Areum was born Han Areum on 29th March 1991

Born to Seo Youngjin and Han Kang Hwan. She was born a few days early, and surprised her parents by being a girl, so they didn’t have a name ready for her.

A nurse named her–because the newborn was such a pretty baby, and so, lacking sorely in ideas for a great name that would fit their kid, they named her Areum (creative i know lmao–sorry my brain LACKED that creativity)

Han Kang Hwan was a Korean diplomat, and Seo Youngjin was a retired agent from Hwarang. The two had a classic love life that started after a shoulder throw, and Areum was the catalyst that caused her parents to get married.

She has a younger brother who’s 1 year younger than her and they were very close.

On the year she was 16, the family was tracked down and killed in the dead of night– the assassin was an old enemy of her mother’s employed by on of the disgruntled rivals of her father, whom disagreed with Han Kang Hwan upon certain political reforms.

Areum’s brother had grabbed her and shoved her under the bed to protect her, and so she watched the man that killed her family stab her younger brother to death.

Areum was then stabbed severely in the stomach and shoved out of the second storey and onto the lawn below. She ended up almost bleeding out, suffered a severe concussion from where the man had knocked her head into the wall, followed by a broken right arm and a broken left leg. The house was then burned down and she was left to die on the lawn of the mansion.

Because of the incident, Areum has a bumpy scar on her stomach from where the scarred tissue from the stab remains. 

Had to go through physical therapy for a year to regain her muscle strength, another year was spent working on her stamina and muscles to make her up to par with the recruitment test.

She was too old for adoption, and so Areum chose to follow the Hwarang agents that had rescued her and applied for Hwarang as a recruit.

Entered as a recruit aged 18, Spent 4 years as a recruit, graduated aged 22 as a field agent, worked as a field agent for 2 years before specialising in the costumes department and working there from then on.

Areum is highly talented in art and music, and has been drawing since she was 5. 

Areum debuted as an artist (painting) when she was 11, selling her art pieces under the pseudonym Raye Licht. She thought of making her handle “A Ray of Light” at first, but found it far too much of a mouthful to say easily

 Areum still sells paintings under that pseudonym, and hence is rich enough to purchase a mansion + live comfortably and luxuriously for the rest of her life. But she wanted to continue her work in Hwarang. 

Can play the piano, violin, flute, and is also great at singing

Technically if she was born in the Joseon era, she’d be a perfect wife + perfect daughter to marry off from a noble family

Areum’s ideal type is someone who’s not afraid to express himself, and is a little aggressive in confessing his feelings, because she’s more passive as well.

Areum has a minimalist tattoo on the middle of her lower back of a lily, which she got right after being given her agent name.

Areum also usually uses money out of her own budget to pay for pple’s expenses, or the expenses inflicted by the costume production, just give her the right reason and she’d fund you (because she’s hella nice)

personality:

Areum is sweet, generous and kind, apart from being lovely. 

Was class president and popular in her school back when she had a normal family.

A little naive, and airheaded, gentle, and a soft talker.

When with friends she’s slightly childish, more naive and exuberant

Usually the mood bringer, hypes people up as well as brightens up the room

But alone Areum is silent and melancholic, reflective and understanding.

A lot of people don’t she the dual side of her, because she only shows her bright and happy side to others, because she feels that its her responsibility to liven up the atmosphere since they’re doing such emotionally heavy and taxing work.

Thinks everyone, even grouches are adorable and that each have their own worth.

Is socially anxious and a bit of an overthinker

Highly romantic, swoons easily, easily manipulated esp if she trusts someone

Serial watcher of netflix, and cries as hard as possible when it comes to heartbreaking stories

Areum also doesn’t think that she’s pretty–in her mind, she believes that she’s just average,or less than average.

Areum is also physically affectionate with others, hugs are kind of her thing– she aims to make people feel welcome, so that they wouldn’t find it necessary to be interested to know more about herself.

Career History:

Because her mother was a retired Hwarang agent, she had an agreement with her old comrades that if anything happened to her and her husband, the children would be taken in, so Areum was taken in by Hwarang agents, but had to train herself up to the standards to a recruitment agent to pass.

Had to train really hard for the entire year that she recuperated and just barely made the cut for the team of recruits.

Entered recruitment at aged 18, her physicals were low, but Areum made up to the mark with her intelligence.

Areum holds an IQ of 143, is more of an observant person–and a practiced user of being able to put on a happy go lucky facade so that no one has a clue to what she really feels inside.

No one really knows about Areum’s background or heritage, except that she’s rich,  she paints, and that she’s hella good at costume disguise.

Graduated from recruitment at 22, and became a field agent, but unfortunately Areum was GREAT at disguising others, but not great at disguising herself. (Areum: hat, no lense glasses, fluffy sweaters, slippers)

After 2 years of field agent work, and more than one trip ups in disguises because Areum got recognised, Areum decided she was more cut out for costume specialisation rather than field work.

Areum became costume specialist at age 24, and has been working in that spot for 4 years.

Plot Ideas!!

[For her other costume specialist] You cannot believe the naivety of Areum thinking that she’s fine with disguising herself with just fluffy sweaters and a no lense glasses to not be recognised.

All physical, not emotional – Areum has needs just like everyone else, and you’re one of the special people who has seen the more solemn, contemplative side of her, which she doesn’t usually use outside of the bedroom or her own room [fwb connection ; 0/3 filled]

Classic Annoyance – You’re one of the colder friends of Areum. You can’t fathom why she’s so physically affectionate with people, but you’d comfortably say that you two are close with each other. [ friends ; 0/3 filled]

Walk my Dog – Areum has a habit of offering help to others even though she sucks at it, and with her small stature, its hilarious to see a 158cm tall tiny person trying to drag more than two large dogs away from their wayward tracks. You’re one of those individuals that take advantage of that and always ends up walking your dogs with her, because its just adorable watching Areum frazzle up over a bunch of too big dogs that she can’t control

You remind me of him – Areum’s connection and relationship with her younger brother has always been more than extraordinary, even in his death she feels somewhat connected to him. You are the one that reminds Areum of her deceased brother, and Areum does everything she can to protect you from what she perceives to be harm, even if sometimes its rather over the top. 

Why Are You Doing This To Me? – Being the overly romantic and sweet, naive person that Areum is, its no doubt to say that she’s been used and manipulated by people before. You’re the person that she has a crush on, and knowing that she has a crush on you, you’re intent on using her for your own needs. Its purely unemotional for you, but entirely emotional for Areum, and she just doesn’t know that you’re using her just yet. [ crush, fwb, angst angst heavy angst in the future]

Again? – One of Areum’s responsibilities is to patch up the costumes that have either been destroyed or ruined in the field work, and you’re one of the more reckless field agents/ recruits that always seem to mangle up your clothes to the point of nearly beyond repair. Its perplexing for Areum, and she’s up to the challenge to make a new piece that you can’t possibly rip, but you always seem to outdo yourself in ripping yourself a new piece of clothing. 

Exes, Crushes on Areum/ Romance – this can be plotted however you like it! Areum is pretty open and free when it comes to having either slept together with another agent, or dated another agent before, she’s mostly clueless when it comes to someone crushing on her, or perhaps the idea of something between them that blurs the lines of friendship but they never acted upon it etc. Feel free to hit me up!

[psychosistr]

A Playful Spark- Chapter 5, Present Day

Summary: Quackerjack returns to the hideout he shares with his electrifying partner and some interesting facts come to light when they have a conversation regarding their names...

Notes: Final chapter! Hope everyone enjoyed the short but (mostly) sweet and fluffy ride xD

-First Chapter-

<-Previous Chapter

~Age: No Longer Sure~

Quackerjack kicked open the door of his current hideout with a chuckle, a bag of stolen goodies hoisted over his shoulder. “Oh Sparky, I’m hoo~ooome!” He called up towards the top of the lighthouse.

“Don’t call me Sparky!” Came the immediate reply of his electrically themed partner in crime from up the stairs.

Quackerjack giggled to himself as he hauled the loot up the stairs so he could show it off to the other super villain.

The insane toy making enthusiast had been introduced to the amped-up lightbulb liberator through another super villain named Negaduck, who, together with Quackerjack, his partner Megavolt, and their cohorts Dr.Bushroot and the Liquidator, formed a terrifying group dubbed “The Fearsome Five” that briefly took over St. Canard and regularly committed great acts of theft and mayhem throughout the town.

While he didn’t see the others as regularly outside of Fearsome Five (Fearsome Four if Negaduck was absent) work, he’d formed a rather special bond with the charged menace and found himself spending more and more time with the rodent. They worked exceptionally well together, able to match each other’s strengths and weaknesses quite well.

It also didn’t hurt that Megavolt was just as insane as Quackerjack AND that he shared the jester’s love of puns, jokes, and theatrics.

Aside from their bond as villains, though, Quackerjack couldn’t help but feel a certain kind of kinship with the unhinged rat that he hadn’t felt with anyone in a particularly long time. Even outside of causing mayhem and destruction, he liked spending time with the other villain doing whatever either one of them felt like in that particular moment. It didn’t take long at all for the two to become partners in more than one way…

As he reached the top of the stairs and tossed the bag into the room carelessly, Quackerjack finally got a good look at his electrifying counterpart.

The yellow-wearing rat was currently hard at work on some blueprints for a new gadget that he said would give them control of every electronic lock in the city- allowing them to steal its most heavily guarded items with ease. Megavolt had a strained look of concentration on his face as he frantically scribbled across the paper, likely trying to jot everything down before he forgot about it again.

With a mischievous smirk, Quackerjack snuck over to his distracted partner and placed his hands over the other villain’s goggles to cover his eyes. “Guess who, Sparky?”

“Quackyyy!” Megavolt groaned in frustration as he pulled the toy maker’s hands off of his goggles. “I told you to stop calling me Sparky!” As if in counterpoint to his claims, or as a demonstration of his nickname, a small spark of electricity jumped from his whiskers when he turned to glare at the duck.

“Aww, lighten up, Megsy!” Quackerjack teased, putting his hands on the other’s fluffy cheeks so he could squish them together. “Sparky’s a great nickname!”

“No, it’s annoying.” Megavolt said while swatting the other’s hands away with a pout. He then folded his arms and looked away, clearly sulking. “Can’t you call me something else since we’re, you know, dating?” He paused, blinked twice as if something just occurred to him, then looked back up at Quackerjack with a confused expression. “We..are dating, right, Jackie? Or is that something I just thought up?”

Quackerjack giggled quietly and wrapped his arms around his partner’s neck with an amused smile. “Yeah, Megs, we’re dating.” Megavolt’s short-term amnesia problem had made the first few months of their relationship interesting, resulting in many times where Quackerjack had to remind him of the TRUE nature of their partnership. He didn’t mind repeating himself a few times- after all, it just meant he got to do little things like give Megavolt a first kiss all over again! “Besides,” He continued after giving the rodent a smooch on the tip of his long nose. “If we weren’t dating, you wouldn’t know my name!”

He let go of the confused rat and walked over to where he’d left his stolen goodies, pulling out an equally mixed assortment of valuables, money, and snacks. He found one of his favorite chocolate bars and peeled the wrapper off so he could take a big bite, humming in satisfaction as he ate.

“I know your name?” Megavolt asked, walking over to join Quackerjack and take out the loot. He grabbed a chocolate bar as well and peeled it open to take a bite.

“Mhm, you said it a minute ago- you called me Jackie.” Quackerjack explained, finishing his chocolate bar and tossing the wrapper aside carelessly.

“I did?” Megavolt questioned, still looking confused. “I thought I called you Quacky?” He finished his candy as well and tossed the wrapper aside in a similar fashion.

“You did, but you called me Jackie, too.” Quackerjack paused briefly to think over a rather crucial bit of information. “Say, Megsy, I don’t think we ever actually TOLD each other our names, did we?”

“Did we?” Megavolt wondered aloud, trying hard to remember if they had or not. “We must have, right? How else would I know YOURS?”

Quackerjack shrugged. “Could’ve just been a lucky guess. Buuuuut-” He cartwheeled over to the still confused rodent and pointed at him dramatically. “You should tell me your name, too, Sparky!”

Megavolt gave his companion a half-hearted glare. “If I do, will you quit calling me Sparky for five minutes?” When Quackerjack just shrugged again with a giggle, Megavolt rolled his eyes. “Fiiiiiine. But you have to promise not to laugh!”

“Sure thing, sparkles.” Quackerjack teased with a chuckle, one hand moving so he could cross his fingers behind his back.

Megavolt grimaced at the irritating pet name and hesitated a moment more before glancing away and finally revealing his name. “…It’s..It’s Elmo…”

Quackerjack’s previous chuckling came to a sudden and abrupt halt.

A simple name. Four letters, two syllables.

A once familiar word he hadn’t said aloud in who knew how long.

“El..mo..?” He repeated the name back, his voice trembling as he stared at the rat in disbelief.

There’s no way…

He couldn’t be…

“Yeah, yeah..” Megavolt said irritably. “I know, it’s a dorky name. Go ahead and get it out of your syst-AAAH!” He yelped when the clown suddenly tackled him to the ground, hovering over him with a strangely desperate and bewildered look on his face. “Owww!” He whined from the pain of hitting the ground, reaching around to rub the back of his head. “What was that for Quack..er..jack..?” He trailed off when he finally took notice of the way the duck was looking at him. “What???”

Quackerjack didn’t answer his friend at first. Instead, he just reached down with shaking hands and began to remove the other’s hat and goggles.

Everything else about him fit: The name, the rest of his face, the engineering brilliance, the fascination with electricity, the way they got along so well, his sense of humor-

He wanted so desperately for his assumption to be true, but he HAD to be sure.

Once he finally had the confused rat’s hat and goggles off of his head for a change, he let out a choked gasp. “Elmo..”

There was no mistaking it..

The brown hair and the shape of his head confirmed it.

He may have changed a little due to age and his eyes had shrunken quite a bit, but he really WAS Elmo Sputterspark.

While he was busy being blown away by this revelation, Megavolt was getting frustrated from his position beneath the jester on the floor. “You’re weirding me out, Quackerjack..more than usual..can you just get o-?” His complaining stopped when the bird above him suddenly wrapped both arms around the electric rat in a tight embrace and he buried his face against a yellow-clad shoulder. “Quacky..?” He asked with a frown, clearly confused by the other’s extra-weird behavior.

Quackerjack’s body began to tremble as he held onto the smaller man, almost as if he were afraid to let go. “Heh..heheh..ehehaha..” A sudden giggle-fit consumed him that rapidly escalated into full-blown manic laughter. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAHAAHAHHAHAH!”

Megavolt finally had enough of the duck’s odder-than-usual behavior and managed to sit up, giving the duck a light shove so that he began to roll around on the floor during his laughing fit. “I don’t get it- what’s so funny?” He asked with an annoyed pout.

“LIFE!” Quackerjack answered breathlessly between his loud bouts of laughter. “Life is HILARIOUS, Elmo! LIFE! Woohoohoohaha! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!” The insane clown eventually gained enough control over himself again to sit back up and give the beyond-confused electrophile a proper explanation. He did so by reaching into the chest area of his costume and pulling out something that was carefully preserved in a plastic baggy. “Do you remember this?” He asked, handing the object over to Megavolt.

“??” The rodent took the offered bag with a curious tilt of his head. He saw that inside the baggy was a worn out photograph of a young rat boy and an older duck boy dressed as a pair of prisoners with the words “Jackie and Elmo, PARTNERS IN CRIME!” around the white boarder. “This..This is..me..and..” Megavolt stared at the image for several seconds before something seemed to click in his mind and he turned to the smiling duck with wide eyes. “You…” Unfortunately, he seemed to get the wrong meaning from the picture because this time he was the one to tackle the other to the ground. He held the grinning madman by the front of his shirt while his other hand held the picture tightly. “Where did you get this?! I swear, if you hurt him, I’m gonna-!!”

“Slow your roll, Mo.” Quackerjack giggled, thinking the other looked so cute when he was all protective and angry like that. “I’m not THAT much of a masochist- I wouldn’t hurt myself over a picture.”

Megavolt apparently still didn’t get the meaning behind the other’s words, electricity sparking along the hand that was holding the duck’s colorful costume serving as a clear sign of his frustration. “What are you talking about, Quackerjack?”

With a smile that was slightly less insane than his usual ones, Quackerjack brought his hands up towards his bizarre hat-mask combination. “You don’t have to call me that, y’know. I already told you, Mo-” He pushed the fabric up enough to reveal his face to the other super villain. “Call me Jackie.”

Megavolt stared long and hard at the face below him before, with a blink that left his eyes wider than before, a jolt of electricity visibly passed up his body and through his hair- as if the realization was trying to physically manifest itself. “!!” He dropped the picture and brought a quivering hand to the clown’s face, touching it as though he wasn’t sure if what he was seeing was real or not. “J..Jackie…?”

Quackerjack grinned up at the stunned rat and placed one of his own hands over the one on his face. “Took you THAT long to get it, Mo? Guess you really did fry your brain, huh?”

“You-You were wearing a mask!” The rodent looked slightly embarrassed over being called out in such a way. “How was I supposed to know it was you?!”

“Are you kidding me?” Quackerjack asked as he sat up abruptly, knocking both of them over in the other direction so he was on top again. “I used the same name as my toy company! How could you not know?! And why didn’t you ever come visit me, you jerk?! I was worried sick!”

“I…I forgot..” Megavolt admitted with a frown, bringing a hand to his head as a look of pain crossed his face. “I couldn’t remember where you lived..or where I lived..I couldn’t remember where to find you or what your company was called..I barely remembered my own name, but I…I tried so hard to make sure I at least remembered YOU..I-I couldn’t remember your voice, but I tried to hold on to your face..” He opened his eyes and looked up at his closest friend in the world with an expression full of pain and remorse. “I’m…I’m sorry, Jackie…I tried..I-I really..”

“Elmo..” Quackerjack’s expression softened as he sat back up, pulling the other into his arms the same way he had so many times when they were younger. A hand instinctively found its way to the other’s slightly singed hair and pet it in a familiar, soothing motion. “It’s alright, buddy..we’re together now..” He hugged him tighter and planted a kiss on his cheek. “I’ve got my partner in crime again.” He tilted both of their heads down so that their foreheads could touch and he closed his eyes with a peaceful smile on his face.

“Heh, me too.” Megavolt said with a small smile, wrapping his own arms around the older duck and holding onto him just as tightly. “…Hey..Jackie..?”

“Yeah, Mo?” Quackerjack asked while opening one eye so he could look into the other’s shrunken pupil.

The sight that greeted him was a bright smile on that familiar-yet-new face. “Guess I’m finally old enough to take you out for that drink, huh?”

“Pfft! Hahahaha!” The question earned a snort of laughter from the duck. “I guess you are, kid!” He jumped up to his feet agilely, pulling the maniacal rat up with him. “C’mon, let’s paint the town red!” He joked while pulling his red mask/hat back into place.

“We’ll light up the night!” Megavolt cackled in agreement, putting his own hat and goggles back on and sparking brightly with electricity while taking Quackerjack’s hand in his own.

Jumping down the stairs two at a time while Megavolt walked at a steady pace beside him, Quackerjack couldn’t resist bringing up something that he felt needed to be said. “Oh yeah, by the way- I kicked your old man’s butt.”

Megavolt let out a loud laugh at that. “Really? Great! He was a jerk!…At least, I think he was…”

Quackerjack chuckled in agreement. “Yeah, he was. He punched me, so I kicked his butt…and his head, guts, ribs, and chest. Your parents refused to come back after that, for some reason.” He giggled gleefully as he remembered the feeling of beating the obnoxious rodent with such primal rage. He was suddenly jerked to a halt when he realized that the voltage junkie behind him had stopped moving. “Hm?” He tipped his head all the way back so he could see Megavolt upside down behind him. “What’s up, Megsy?”

Megavolt had a dark scowl on his face, eyes narrowed. “He HIT you?!” Sparks began flying off of his body as he seethed in anger. “Ooooh, if I ever get my hands on him, I’ll-!!” He didn’t even finish his threat, he just let out a frustrated shout and shot electricity out in a wide burst around himself and Quackerjack.

The crackling energy tickled as it raced across the duck’s body, like it always did whenever his partner let loose. He was more than used to it and often enjoyed the feeling, but, for some reason, it seemed especially attractive to him in that moment.

“Ya know, Mo..” He began with a giggle, wrapping his arms around the other villain’s shoulders. “You’re kinda cute when you’re crazy.” He pulled the startled rodent that was still standing a couple steps above him into a surprise kiss.

At first, Megavolt was too startled to do anything, but his body guided him in the proper way to kiss his partner back while his mind was still catching up. When they eventually broke apart for air, Megavolt had dull waves of static circulating around his body that were being passed along to Quackerjack’s own, causing their respective fur and feathers to fluff up slightly.

“You’re cute when you’re crazy, too, Jackie.” He said with a slightly unhinged grin. “And I love you for it.”

Quackerjack returned the grin with a less-than-sane smile of his own. “Love ya too…Sparky.” He finished with a hysteric laugh at the glare the other man shot him.

Together, the pair ventured out into the night with plans to muscle their way into a fancy restaurant and, likely, steal the wallets and valuables of the rich customers while they were there.

Many things had changed for them over the years: Neither had gotten what they dreamed of in life. Neither of them had a family or a home to go back to. Neither of them were sane, and probably never would be again.

However, those things mattered far less than what had remained the same between them:

They were still the best of friends and partners in crime, no matter what life threw at them.

<-Previous Chapter

End Notes: Decided to keep the last chapter short but sweet. This was a lot of fun to write and it was fun revisiting one of my first ever villain ships. I have plans for future fics involving these two, as well as my other favorite villainous ship from the Fearsome Five XD

Also, since this is the end, just wanted to share the fact that I partially based the events of this fic off of the relationship between my cousin and his husband. They met when they were kids, with my cousin being about 8-9 years younger than his future husband. They were close friends growing up and, around the time he got into high school, my cousin started to realize that he was gay and, at the time, the only one he told was his best friend, who also came out to him as being gay.

My cousin ended up developing a crush on his friend and eventually told him, but his friend had to turn him down because of his age. They got separated for a while and lost touch just because of school and work and life- my cousin finished high school early and went to college and his friend’s company had him move out of state, plus it was before the big boom of social media so they didn’t have as many ways to keep in touch.

They met up again years later in a gay bar in New York and started flirting with each other, and eventually started going out. It wasn’t until they’d been dating for a few months that they finally realized who the other was: My cousin’s then-boyfriend came over to his apartment to pick him up for a date and, while he was waiting for him, he looked at the pictures my cousin had on his wall and shelves and stuff, and spotted one of the two of them from when they were kids.

Needless to say, they had a big “OH MY GOD, IT’S YOU?!!!!” moment before they broke down laughing and caught each other up on their lives. They’ve been together for over twenty years now and they were one of the couples that rushed to the courthouse as soon as gay marriage became legal in New York XD

[meshugana1]

"On Halloween night a where it's full of scares and fright, one soul wanders to find some 'treats' of his in the form of women he likes to bone. But as this holiday has taught us that girls can carry a lot of tricks especially one group which which usually are ideal for sorting out these kinds of pricks." To clarify, all the girls turn one man into an anthro Black cat with 6-breasts,green eyes,a slutty witch costume but just hat, toe/heel showing witch stockings and jack-o-lantern bell collar.

   William zipped his pants up and left the young princess to tidy herself up in the bushes. How he loved Halloween. Even the stuck up girls put out. Must be the full moon or that escapist feeling in the air this time of year. It was the perfect time for a guy like him. He didn’t even have to put much effort into his costume. Just a white t-shirt, a pack of cheap cigarettes rolled in the sleeve, his hair slicked back with pomade, and jeans with a pair of cheap boots. It was the total Brando package, and he didn’t even have to spend thirty bucks. It already paid for itself, that was the third bimbo so far that wrapped her lips around his seven inches and the sun hadn’t even set yet.

   As he rounded the corner, he already spotted his next conquest. The first thing he saw was tits, huge juicy ones. They were attached to a pretty face too, beautiful tan skin, really sexy eyes, and hair like a wildflower. Her costume didn’t hurt her figure either. Pink, nearly transparent silk, covered her fabulous tits and even her goofy airy silk pants couldn’t hide an ass that went on for days. God love the genie look. William sauntered over with his usual confidence, the bulge in his jeans was obvious and warned of exactly what he wanted. “Sup pretty lady? You seem like you need some company, my night is free if you like what you see,” William said. The woman looked William up and down. ‘What was it about this night that made it so easy?’ She thought. This would be the forty-third boy she came across trying to take advantage of her, it was too easy really.   “Well thank you, young Master, I am but a humble genie, and I would love to repay you. So, your wish is my command Master,” She said. She held her hands in front of her chest and popped her hips slowly to a rhythm William could not hear.   “Well then, I think first I’ll wish for you to give me a little pussy, then—”   “WISH GRANTED!” She said snapping her fingers. There was a flash and a surging of smoke from her feet. William coughed and waved the air clear, and spotted the crazy girl’s ass bouncing away.   “All you had to do was so no, crazy bitch,” William said. He did what he usually did when he was rebuffed, he reached he’d down to readjust his semi-turgid best friend. He patted his left leg, where it usually rested but felt only thigh. He checked the other but found nothing still. He gulped, jamming his hand into his jeans. He felt skin, on a night like tonight he would always forgo underwear, it just got in the way. But as he rubbed his crotch, he didn’t feel his shaft, nor his balls, nor his head. He just felt a little…tingly? He didn’t give up searching, but then, on a downstroke, his index finger slipped inside him. His knees shook, his finger was wet, and when his nail grazed a sensitive little bud of nerves, the mystery was solved. “MY COCK TURNED INTO A CUNT?!”

   William ran hard, pants dangling by an ankle and dripping pussy exposed to the nippy air. He gave no thought to his direction, his eyes stared ahead blankly. He rounded the corner and struck something soft, then two bodies crashed into the ground. His bare ass rubbed into the ground and the long grass tickled his pussy.   “What the hell dude? *Pbbbrrrbbtt* Watch where you’re going!” The woman said. William looked at the victim of his panicked dash. The first thing he saw was an enormous round belly attached to an incredibly sexy woman. Her breasts were glorious and her ass was the stuff of legends, if she could lay off the burritos, she would’ve been another fine woman he would love to let suck him off if his circumstances were different.   “Uh, sorry,” William said. He tried to raise himself off the ground, but the shock from his sudden transformation was setting in and they remained rooted to the earth.   “Oh! I’m so sorry, *fffwwweeeeeenn* I guess ‘dude’ is a bit offensive huh? My bad, *Splorttt*” she said. Why would she say that? He thought. Then he remembered his state of dress, and what he was unintentionally exposing to her.   “Wait, NO! I’m not trans, I was cursed or something, I don’t normally look like this I swear!”   “Cursed? *Brrrrrrrbbbb* Really? *Flablatch* No way! I can totally help! I’m Stacey and I’m a witch in training,*fffffffffffffffffffffffffffp*” she said. Fifteen minutes ago he would’ve thought she was some crazy pregnant chick, but now the scales had fallen from his eyes and he would grasp at any straw.   “Really!? Oh please help me, I’ll do anything!”   “No problem. *Rrrrrppppppttttt* I understand what you’re going through too, just brace yourself. *Ppppppppppppttttrrrr* I probably can’t fix all off this but I think I can put one thing back to normal at least,” Stacey said. William was a smidge confused. There was only one thing wrong with him so how could she miss? Stacey began speaking, and letting out a long, high pitched fart, in a language William had no hope of knowing. Her rate of strange words increased along with her gas. Then she just stopped, and William felt a twinge in his chest. He pulled up his shirt and saw his nipples had become puffy and erect, and his pecs started to look a little fatty. He then felt a tremendous sense of vertigo and the ground rapidly approached him. Then his chest trembled and surged forth with such force that it knocked him off balance. He had fleshy bags attached to his chest topped with large, puffy nipples. He couldn’t say the word, he wouldn’t say the word.   “Well, *Blort* that’s all I can really do without making it worse. You got a doozy of a spell on you. *Sprrrutut* I hope that get’s you back to normal a bit, bye! *Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr*” Stacey said. She turned and waddled away, the sounds of gas still echoing into the night.

   William shambled against a fence. Twice, how could the same thing happen to a guy twice in less than an hour? It was like being struck by magical lightning, then getting hit by a magical meteor. He felt his…chest, dangle and bob with every step. He knew this fence, it was some recluse middle-aged ladies. He used to be tall enough to peer clear over the top, now thanks to that gassy bitch he was a foot too short. William didn’t even have the will to put his pants back on. What was the point? All people would see of his living nightmare was a costume of a gender-bent freak. He continued on his hopeless march when he rubbed himself against a soft pair of tits coming around the corner.   “WHAT?! How dare you touch me so casually!” William heard, he didn’t care. What else could happen to him. Going to jail would be an improvement at this rate. “Are you ignoring me you little bastard? You think you can fondle a goddess and get away with it? I know your type little man. You think you’re just a real tomcat, don’t you? I can tell you’ve already been given a few lessons, but they clearly aren’t enough for someone like you,” The woman said.   “What? Oh god no, no! Please don’t, it was an accident! Leave me alone!” William said. He didn’t wait for an answer and turned to run. His shorter legs pumped as hard as they could but nothing was moving around him. The woman held her hand out, suspending him in the air.   “You want to be a little Tomcat? Fine! One little change though, I’d hate to erase your progress!” She said. William flailed in the air. Three times, three fucking times! His clothing dissolved into nothingness, exposing his new breasts and pristine pussy completely. His short body began to contract even further, reducing him to just barely above four and a half feet. What remained of his masculine form began to melt away. His arms became supple and graceful, so did his legs. His waist contorted into a tiny shape, his legs became slender at the calf but tremendously thick in the thigh. His ass tingled, then it felt like it was falling out, becoming a tight, round fanny. All his muscles faded away, his facial features softened, going from the hard face of a rugged man to a supermodels visage. No trace of him was left. Then it got worse.

   The hairs on his arms having nearly gone were returning with force. Same with his legs. Before this evening, he was gifted with very light flaxen hair. But his hair growing in now was black as black. It was probably the same on his head, he could feel it coming down his neck and slipping past his shoulders. It was getting thicker and thicker, soon it coated his arms and legs so entirely that he could see no skin beneath any of it. His new fur shined glossy. There was a pinch atop his head as pointed ears, much better suited for his new shape. Another pinch came above his engorged bottom as his spine lengthened nearly four feet. Unceremoniously he dropped toward the ground. He twisted and distorted his body on the way down without effort. His arms and legs hit the earth first, catching him.    “There, now you look the part, Pussy. Maybe you’ll think better of trying to cop a feel on a goddess with your filthy paws,” she said. She turned aggressively on her heel, then left down the sidewalk leaving William to lick his magical wounds.

   He sat there a while, squatting, feeling his tail flick back and forth. “FUCK! FUCKFUCKFUCK! Why?! Why me?! I didn’t do anything and now the universe has fucked me FOUR FUCKING TIMES! Now I’m a big tatted cat bitch?! Of fucking course! Why not? Who cares?! Is that all you got? Can’t get any worse so bring it the fuck on! What’s next? Antlers? A cock on my forehead? How about a whole buncha titties? Could always use more of those right?!”   “Well, now that you mention it that doesn’t sound like a bad idea,” came a small voice behind him. Every hair on Williams body stood on end. Every muscle tensed and he shot into the air nearly fifteen feet, landing in the recluses yard. The hair all over his body stood on end and his arms and legs remained stiff and outstretched.   “Holy Titania, sorry didn’t mean to scare you kitty,” the voice came again. William turned and saw something he both feared and begrudgingly expected. It was a tiny blonde woman, no more than six inches tall, floating there in a green dress. “Let me guess, you’re gonna change me too? Fucking great, FUCKING GREAT! Well, get on with it you little freak. Do your fucking worst!” William said.   “Hey! Don’t you yell at me you little bitch! I know you’re having a rough night, fella, and maybe if you were nicer, I would’ve helped you out. But now? Well, you reap what you sow!” She said. Yellow light shot from her hands and struck William below his breasts. He felt a cramp, followed by three others. Then his shoulders slumped as four new pairs of breasts, each one equal to his first set, weighted him down so much he was forced nearly to all fours. “There, enjoy what being an asshole gets you,” the fairy said. With that, she turned and left in a blinding display of speed.

   William plopped down on his round bottom and grabbed one of his middle tits. They felt so heavy. His chest began to heave, then the tops of his original pair of jugs began to moisten with his tears. It was so unfair. All he wanted to do was get his dick a little bit wet, that’s all. What was so wrong with that? Now he was a freak, a six titted cat freak. What was he going to do? Where could he go? His family wouldn’t recognize him now, none of his friends would care beyond wanting to fuck him. He was screwed. Stuck crying in the cold and the grass. “Perfect!” He decried.   “I’ll say,” a sultry voice said behind him. He wasn’t surprised this time. His new ears picked up the creaking of the porch ages ago. The woman was simply stunning, beautiful olive skin, a voluptuous figure and a sexy as hell witches costume. “You look like you’ve had a rough night,” she said.   “Oh yeah, sniff, how can you tell?” William said.   “Well, the tits give it away. Come on up here, no need for tears.”   “Like hell there isn’t,” William said as he sulked up the steps of her porch, “Look at me! I’m practically a monster.”   “Hardly, I’ve seen monsters before and you are quite far from that. I’d even say you look pretty cute.”   “Oh what, are you a witch too or something?”   “Yeah, isn’t the costume obvious?” She said with a smile.   “Oh.”   “Don’t worry little kitten; I’m not going to hurt you.”   “Might as well, everyone else with magical powers is.”   “Actually, I was going to ask if you might want a job.”   “A job?”   “Yup, interested?”   “What kind of job could I do like this?”   “Well, most witches have familiars, but I’ve never really gotten around to it. I’m not exactly proactive, but when such an opportunity lands in ones lap it is unwise not to take advantage.”   “What does a familiar do? I don’t have to do anything crazy or satanic do I?”   “Satanic, really? I just run a little store of oddities and antiques. I guess you’d run the counter sometimes, organize, anything else I need, maybe test out new magical items I acquire, that sort of thing. And of course, you’d be living here with me. What do you think?”   “You’d want a giant titted cat monster running the store while you’re at lunch?”   “I have a myriad of items at my shop kitty; they’re almost all of a magical nature. There are more than a few that would change the way you look to something a bit more socially acceptable. So, what do you think?” William didn’t need much time to think.   “What choice do I have?” William extended his hand to her, “I’m William.”   “Pleasure to meet you, I am Saveta, but you’ll call me Mistress when it’s just us from now on,” Saveta said as she clasped his outstretched hand. William felt a surge coming from her hand that left him weak in the knees.   “I don’t know about that Mistress, sounds a little too kinky. Wait what? I just called you Mistress instead of Mistress. Oh crap, is this magic again?”   “Yeah, sorry. It’s best you don’t think too hard about it until you’re used to it. But here, a little welcome home present,” Saveta said. She lifted her hands and seemed to produce a choker from nowhere. It looked expensive. It was jack-o-lantern shaped, of course. Saveta placed it around Williams’ neck, it fit perfectly. The moment she clasp was locked it disappeared, and William was bathed in a blue-hued light. A witch’s hat, nearly identical to his new Mistress’s appeared on his head. It even had holes specially placed for his ears.   “A hat?” William said.   “The bell has a pretty nice feature too,” Saveta said. She curled her finger and flicked the bell, sending the ring into Williams’ ears, then she did it again. The bell began to glow, then Williams world seemed to collapse in on itself. Where he was once sitting, he now was suspended in mid-air. As he fell to the chair, he contorted, catching himself on the seat cushion. He felt claws, whiskers, and warmth from the fur now covering his entire form. “Mrrow?”   “Useful right? Just for when company is over. And two more hits to change back,” she said striking the bell twice. William popped back into his human-ish form.   “That feels so weird!”   “You’ll get used to it; you can do it yourself too you know, should the need arise. Now come along inside, I’d like to take those tits for a test ride before anymore trick or treaters arrive,” Saveta said delivering a swift and sharp smack to Williams’ bottom, that answering more questions about what she meant than anything else.

The End. Hope Y’all like it!

[shsl-shipper-gamer-fangirl]

Other ahoges: Makoto | Komaru | Hajime | Matsuda | Munakata | Kaede

Saihara Loses His Ahoge and Everyone Loses Their Shit

Waking up to a mystery has never been a good morning for Saihara.

When he woke up on that particular day, it had been innocuous at first. He did his usual morning routine of getting ready. It's only when he sees himself in the mirror that he notices the difference. He patted the top of his head. Smooth. That's strange... While he wasn't particularly fond of the ahoge, he doesn't remember ever getting it cut. It's just supposed to be there. Always sticking out. No gel or wax could hold it down. Only his hat was able to tame it but he doesn't wear that anymore.

He's already let go of the hat. What's the harm in losing the ahoge too?

"Um... Who are you?"

Apparently more damaging than he originally thought.

Huh? Huuuuuhh???

"Who the hell brought this normie over here?" Iruma greeted him with an insult. Well, it was pretty tame coming from her. "Oh, I get it! You're one of my fanboys! Sorry to bust your nuts but you ain't touching these glorious tits of mine!"

Never mind. Iruma not recognizing him isn't a huge loss anyways.

"Oh, who is this? A new friend?" Gonta waved at him. "Hello there new friend! Do not be afraid, we are good people!"

Such a good friend he was indeed. What did the world do to deserve Gonta?

"Hold up. I wouldn't start getting cozy with the new guy just yet." Hoshi warned. "It's only ever been us sixteen here. Sorry for being paranoid but getting a new classmate out of nowhere is pretty suspicious. The kid's gotta introduce himself first."

Even though they're basically the same age, Saihara will admit any day that Hoshi holds some form of seniority over him.

"He's been quiet though. Hmm, could it be?" Amami stared at him with an unreadable expression. "You have troubles with memory too?"

No, not memory. He's just utterly speechless at how everyone is treating him all because he doesn't have one lock of hair sticking out.

"Perhaps our guest does not feel welcome enough." Tojo proceeds to correct this situation by pouring him a cup of tea. It's exactly his favorite. "I hope that this is up to your tastes. Please, make yourself comfortable. We only wish to know more about you."

He tries not to cry into his cup of tea. He just wishes to know how his friends see him. Just the ahoge? Guys, his eyes are down here.

"Be careful! He's still a menace!" Tenko was already in a fighting position. "I do not know who you are but I do know that you are a degenerate male! And Tenko will not let you and your impure intentions get to the girls! If you try anything, I will break you!"

He just wants his identity back, please don't break him. He breaks easily.

"Too loud..." Yumeno yawned and then slumped in her seat. "Hey, you being here is a pain so could you get out?"

It's not like he wanted this commotion either. He just went here to have breakfast and he honestly feels so attacked right now.

"No non! Don't go yet. Angie senses a divine aura from you!" Angie clasped her hands in prayer. "It's A-OKAY! If you're feeling lost, come to Atua and he will guide you."

He's not even surprised that he's already getting recruited upon supposedly their first meeting.

"And so adds another person to the number of people I will be observing." Shinguji chuckled lightly while covering is already masked mouth. "Ah, I wonder what kind of human you'd reveal yourself to be, kukuku..."

Okay? Sometimes he really wonders if Shinguji's okay.

"Oh, no. This is a problem." Shirogane settled her chin on her hand, contemplating. "We can't have two plain characters. That's just plain redundant."

Well he knows he doesn't have the most... unique face. But still, the way she says it makes it sound like an actual problem.

"I have checked my database of people whom I've previously met and you did not match with any of the IDs." Kiibo crossed his arms. "Please let us know who you are so I can update my records."

Not to sound robophobic but Saihara expected for at least Kiibo to recognize him. If even the robot's program couldn't identify him then this just confirms his fear that this was beyond his control.

"Hey, buddy you've been quiet. You okay?" Momota smiled reassuringly. "Don't freak out in front of us now. Relax, man. We're a loud bunch but I promise that we won't hurt you."

It's really hard not to freak out when you realize that your whole identity is centered around your ahoge.

"Answer if someone talks to you." Harukawa glared at him. "...Do you want to die?"

Whatever happened to that promise that they wouldn't hurt him?

"Guys, you're freaking the new guy out." Akamatsu "Still, it is kind of weird that you're only showing up now. Oh, it's not like I'm suspicious of you or anything! It's just... weird. Hmm, if only Saihara was here. He probably would have some theories."

But he's right here? Literally guys you don't have to look so hard.

"Has anyone seen him? He's never usually late for breakfast."

"Oh, pick me! Pick me! I toooootally saw him this morning!" Ouma "Hey! Look, it's Saihara-chan!"

Everyone turned their heads away from him and towards where he pointed at. Everyone except Saihara himself.

That's why Saihara saw. He saw Ouma take out Saihara's hat (he had been wondering where that went) and he saw... an ahoge on top of it. He saw Ouma wear it. He also saw Ouma smirk at him.

Ouuuuumaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

"Where? I don't see him at all."

"Hey guys! It's me! Totally Saihara-chan" Ouma declared oh so innocently despite his smile being anything but. He didn't even bother changing his voice. Or anything else for that matter. He's just wearing a hat with an ahoge ridiculously glued on top.

He can't possibly think he could pull this off.

"Oh, hey Saihara! Where were you, man?" Momota warmly greeted him.

Okay... But to be fair, Momota isn't the... sharpest so...

"Geez, you had us worry for a bit there. What took you so long?" Akamatsu pouted at him.

Not Akamatsu too?? Shit. This was happening.

"There is something... different about you today, Saihara." Kiibo pondered. "Oh but you match perfectly with my identification scanner so it just might be a slight bug."

How can Ouma wearing a dumb hat with ahoge match Saihara's profile? Is he just an ahoge in his ID?!

"It must be the clothes. I mean it's plain to see that this is Saihara since his signature ahoge is there." Shirogane proudly presented.

So he's really just an ahoge in their eyes. That's... kinda sad okay.

"Nishishi!" Oh, come on! Ouma's even doing his trademark laugh and no one's going to point out that inconsistency? Seriously? No one? "I thought I'd try a new look today! Since I'm always wearing emo clothes, I thought I'd spice things up a bit!"

Okay full offense taken. His clothes are black not emo. It's just a coincidence that it's a common color for emos. Hey, black is a general color, okay? He is not emo.

"It looks suspiciously like Ouma's." Harukawa pointed out. "You have poor taste."

That's all she's going to take away from that? His fashion sense?

"Well I happen to think that Ouma has ridculously good tastes! Supreme leader tastes! Godlike even!"

Please, won't anyone at least point out that Saihara will never in his lifetime praise Ouma.

"Angie doesn't know about that last part. Atua says that Ouma's tastes are just so so." Angie commented.

Again, focusing on the wrong specifics here.

"Ah, but one can argue that since Ouma's talent is being a supreme leader then does it not mean that technically he does possess supreme leader tastes? I admit that it's a mere technicality but it fits logic." Shinguji argued.

Hey so, Saihara isn't the most egocentric person there and he doesn't even like attention but can they get back to him? It's bad enough that they think a barely disguised Ouma is him but to get set aside in conversation too? Just when Saihara thought things couldn't get any sadder, it does.

"Does it really matter? They're both menaces! Changing one's clothes does not change the evil within." Tenko sneered.

He's desperate. He will take any insult as long as it changes the topic.

"Whatever. Can we eat already?" Yumeno huffed in annoyance.

Not really contributing to the conversation but at least it's not about Ouma. His standards have hit an all time low.

"Yes, I will get the food served shortly." Tojo politely bowed. "However, it would seem that Ouma is the one missing now."

Aaaaand we're back to talking about Ouma. The same Ouma who's masquerading in a discount costume of Saihara. The one and only Ouma who's snickering right now.

"Who gives a shit about Cockichi?! If the cock sucker wants to miss out on good food then it's his loss!" Iruma ranted.

While she does make a good point, Saihara hoped that someone would have at least noticed that Ouma only disappeared as soon as "Saihara" appeared. But he knew better now than to hope.

"Oh, no! But what if he starves? Gonta don't want friend hungry." Gonta said with genuine concern.

If Ouma really was a friend then he wouldn't be making Saihara suffer like this.

"Eh, he'll live. If he gets hungry, he knows where the food is." Hoshi shrugged. "Just let him run around as much as he want so we can have some peace here for once."

Except the only flaw in that plan is that Ouma is HERE. He's literally right here. Seriously, is it a detective thing that only Saihara is noticing all these discrepancies?

"That's right. Ignore poor Ouma and let him die a dog's death! Nobody likes him anyways! He's the worst!"

Well he's not wrong... But how can he say that so easily about himself??

"Wait. Something's been bothering me." Amami, who Saihara only noticed to be quiet all this time, suddenly spoke up. He wore the most serious expression ever seen on his face. He walked up to Ouma and placed his hand on the hat. It stayed there, gripped ever so tightly.

Could it be...?

"There." Amami said after twisting the cap just a few degrees. He was back to smiling as if a weight off his chest had been lifted. "I apologize for the glaring. It was crooked and I was debating on letting it be but as you can see I just couldn't stop myself, ahaha."

"Awww, it's okay! Thank you, Amami-chan!" Ouma blew him a flying kiss.

At this point, Saihara would have gladly welcomed death.

"Oh, by the way. I almost forgot!" Ouma suddenly turned to Saihara. Oh no. He's wearing that smile. The smile that never leads up to anything good. That shit-eating grin. Ouma is wearing it at full blast.

Saihara should have run when he had the chance.

"I have a theory on the new guy! He's obviously the mastermind because I said so. Listen. I'm a detective so I know what I'm doing. So let's all gang up on him, okay? Let's go, team!"

...

Fuck.

It was at that moment that Saihara knew he was fucked up.

"Oi, is that true? You think we got ourselves the mastermind, bro?"

"Hmm, Saihara said it so it can't be a lie."

"Let's kill that asshole! I'll fucking cut his dick into pieces!"

"Tenko too will destroy this menace!"

"Please, guys we're more civilized than that."

"Ahaha, let's listen to our leader. Maybe there's still room for negotiations."

"Nyeh, sounds like more work. Can't we just finish him off?"

"...I can kill him quickly but it wouldn't be as satisfying."

"Don't kill him off just yet. We still need information from him."

"It is not a request I haven't heard of... I believe I may be of assistance."

"If you require rope then I would gladly volunteer in tying our culprit up. I have learned of methods where it brings more pain than it does pleasure."

"Oh Gonta does not want to hurt anyone. But Gonta does not like it if this person has hurt friends."

"Well Atua says that this calls for a divine retribution nyahaha!"

"What a plot twist! A mastermind reveal during a filler episode!"

FUCK!

He didn't have to be detective to know that he wasn't going to survive if he stayed there any longer. So he bolted and ran far enough to lock himself in his room. Just outside he could hear his classmates rioting. He knew they weren't allowed to break the door and it seemed that they remembered that rule. He just wishes that Ouma would conveniently forget that he could lockpick doors. Speaking of which, he could hear his distinct laughter bouncing just outside. Atua, if you're out there please spare him.

Saihara already lost his ahoge and consequentially, his identity. He wasn't ready to lose his life too.

[prettyfunkyunorganized]

Halloween Daughter Series - Genji!

*wiggles spoopy fingers spoopily* More Halloween fun with our sweet, sweet Overwatch boys! The darling @zarcake-writes gave me the idea for this one, too. I am NOT a prankster, so it was fun to live vicariously through Mona for a bit. 2,200 words.

More Daughter Series: Hanzo, Roadhog, McCree, Reaper, Soldier 76, Genji

More Halloween Daughter Series: Roadhog, McCree, Reaper

It was finally starting getting dark at the Gibraltar base and Genji could no longer suppress his excitement. With a giddy spring in his step and a wide smile plastered across his face, he hurried through the winding halls of the Overwatch barracks to Mona’s room. The door swung open before he could knock.

His daughter jumped in surprise and giggled. “I was just about to come find you!”

“You ready,” he asked enthusiastically.

She grabbed a nearly bursting backpack from behind her and grinned. “So ready!” The zipper parted and a ridiculous array of masks, creepy cutouts, fake bugs, and other bizarre trinkets almost tumbled out of the bag. A bright orange lid atop a seemingly ordinary jar of peanut butter caught his eye.

“What is this,” Genji asked twirling it in his hands.

Mona snickered. “You know those cans of fake peanuts that have snakes that pop out at you when you open them?” He nodded. “I found a site that puts those in packages that look like normal products, so people won’t be suspicious!”

“That is brilliant,” Genji laughed.

“I’ve got Mercy’s fancy hand crème, too!”

Genji zipped the bag back up and hoisted it onto her shoulders. “It would appear you have something in there for everyone. We had best get started!”

“Yeah,” she said grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the lab, “Winston’s gotta be first. He always has a snack once he’s done in the lab, and he’s probably finishing up now!”

The two of them flew through the base, snorting as they tried to stifle their giggles.

“Just in time,” Mona whispered, “he’s cleaning up.”

Genji frowned, watching the scientist put his tools away while humming a random song. “We do not have much time. I will go swap the peanut butter jars, you keep a lookout.” She plopped the container in his outstretched hand with a grave nod. She was so cute it hurt.

Quickly scaling the walls of the lab and hopping over the railing of the landing, the ninja made his way to Winston’s desk. He silently dropped to the ground and snatched his target from a nearby shelf, leaving the imposter in its place. Genji heard Winston’s heavy footsteps behind him and froze for a split second before diving behind a pile of books. He could just see Mona’s head poking out from the doorway, her eyes following Winston up the staircase.

Mona was absolutely right. Without even looking, the massive scientist grabbed his jar of peanut butter, still humming, and sat down by the window. With a small yawn he began to open his snack. Genji hadn’t felt this impatient in ages.

With a satisfying pop, the lid was blasted out of Winston’s hand as the compressed air inside the jar was released, spitting out more than a dozen scaly looking fabric snakes. The high pitched yelp that escaped from Winston as he tumbled over and tossed the jar across the room was completely out of character. Mona and Genji instantly burst out laughing, leaving their friend whipping his head back and forth between the two of them.

“What the hell was that,” the scientist sputtered as Mona ran up the stairs, still giggling.

“It’s Halloween, Winston! There’s got to be a few tricks along with the treats.”

After taking a moment to come to his senses, Winston chuckled, running a wary hand over his face. “You guys really got me!”

“Sorry, big guy,” Mona said throwing her arms around him, “you okay?”

The scientist hugged her back, lifting her off the ground with a smile. “I’m fine, newbie, but you’re playing with fire, pranking your boss like that. And you,” he said playfully jabbing Genji with his elbow, “aren’t you supposed to be setting a good example for her?”

“Where is the fun in that,” Genji grinned handing his friend the regular jar of peanut butter.

Winston accepted, but didn’t open it, still a little skeptical. “I hope I’m not the only one you two are teaming up on.”

“Of course not,” Mona assured him, “in fact, we better get going. We got a lot of team members to get to before the party.”

“Just make sure Reinhardt isn’t holding his hammer when you get him, okay,” Winston warned.  

“That is a very good point,” Genji murmured, envisioning the massive crusader taking down a wall as he panicked.

“We’ll be safe, I promise,” Mona promised, “see you later!”

“Have fun, you hoodlums,” Winston said shaking his head as he watched them leave.

Angela yelped when her lotion attacked her, and went bright red when she realized she’d been duped. Genji had never seen her so embarrassed before. He’d never seen her fly off the chain like that either, chasing him around the med bay, wielding a crutch like a weapon as Mona rolled on the floor cackling.

Lucio nearly puked when he bit into a chocolate covered brussels sprout, clawing at his tongue and whimpering. Once he’d had some proper truffles though, he was all smiles again, happily telling them where they could find McCree.

As the cowboy came back inside from smoking a cigarillo, they dropped a bundle of fake cobwebs on his head, making him thrash about wildly. His long brown hair looked like it had been through a tornado by the time he swatted his hat and all the strings attached to it away. He was panting and had a flashbang at the ready before looking up to see Mona and Genji nearly falling out of the rafters as they laughed. McCree was cracking up just as hard the next moment.

Mona somehow convinced Snowball to help them spook Mei, and placed a dreadful looking ghoul decoration over the little the drone. It floated like a something out of a cheesy old horror film, but still made Mei squeak before encasing herself in ice. The climatologist was less enthused about the pranking than the rest of the team had been, scolding Snowball for betraying her. Once she heard about Mercy’s reaction though, Mei was much more amused.

The two troublemakers stuck a twisted clown mask outside the window of Torbjorn’s workshop, and the short man fell out of his seat when he noticed it – which had taken forever. The engineer proceeded to chase Mona and Genji with a wrench, cursing in Swedish and all but foaming at the mouth.

Reinhardt laughed harder than anyone once he recovered from his prank. They had placed a dark-clad grim reaper figure in front of his bedroom door, then asked him to come to the mess hall. The standee had a motion sensor and swiped his flimsy plastic scythe when activated. It was more silly than scary, but Reinhardt was convinced enough to tackle the lawn decoration to the ground, wrangling it into a headlock. The poor this was just a crumpled mess now.

Tracer was taking a nap on the couch when they found her and put a creepy witch mask right next to her face. Mona gently tickled her foot until she woke up and screeched at the top of her lungs, blinking out of the room before they could explain. When Lena came tip-toeing back, she launched into a fit of giggles while simultaneously pulling Genji and Mona into a breathless hug.

“You little rats! I was SO SCARED! Oh my god, I almost jumped out of my skin,” she said wiping happy tears from her eyes.

“I think everyone within a mile heard you,” Mona said teasingly.

“Did you guys do this to everyone,” Tracer asked.

“Most everyone,” Genji answered. “We tried to think of something to make Zenyatta jump, but he is just too calm.”

“Yeah, if we tried to freak him out with a ghost or something the floating fella would probably just try to help the spirit resolve his unfinished business,�� Mona frowned.

Both Genji and Tracer threw their heads back and laughed.

“That is exactly what he would do,” Lena chuckled. “You guys do anything to Hanzo?”

“Uh, no,” Mona said shaking her head. She looked sheepish.

Genji was about to say that they were still figuring out the best plan of attack, but Tracer gave his daughter a relieved look that made him hesitate.

“I don’t blame ya,” the older woman said, “I wouldn’t test that man for all the money in the world!”

“No kidding,” Mona agreed earnestly, “I’d rather wake up to an actual angry witch in bed than make him angry.”

“Oh come on now,” Genji said pulling Mona close, “my brother is just grumpy. Maybe a little scare will spook some of the angst out of his system.”

“I don’t know . . .”

“Well, whatever you do,” Lena said stretching, “leave me out of it! I need to go get on my costume. Later!” She jogged out of sight leaving Genji alone with his worried daughter.

“Hey,” he said softly, “if you want to leave Hanzo alone, we can. I understand.”

Mona sighed, “It’s just that he already doesn’t like me. I don’t want to make things any worse.”

Genji squeezed her shoulder as his heart ached. He knew his brother could be difficult and standoffish, but he was still her uncle. “I am sure that is not true,” he cooed, “how could anyone not like you?”

She snorted sarcastically, but smiled. “Thanks, but I’m just not feeling up to it today. Maybe next year?”

“As you wish,” he said taking the bag from her back and slinging it over his own – it was considerably lighter now.

They wandered back toward Mona’s room in silence, Genji replaying the few times he’d seen his brother and his child speaking. They didn’t seem close, but they had only recently met. That was to be expected. As they rounded the last corner, one of the automatic doors further down the hall began to slide open and Genji remembered that they had hooked a party popper to it. Whoever was about to walk through that door was about to hear a sudden loud noise and be doused in confetti. The cyborg had set it up as a last-ditch effort to include Zenyatta in the night’s festivities since the omnic’s quarters were just on the other side, but they had given up after 25 minutes of waiting. Evidently, the two had forgotten to clean up after themselves in the excitement. Genji ducked back behind the corner and peeked, but Mona kept walking.

There was a crack and an explosion of color. Mona clamped her hands over her mouth and stood utterly still as Hanzo brushed the bits of paper out of his face with a scowl. The archer’s eyes found Mona and his face contorted into a fierce glare. She shrunk away from him as he spoke.

“That is not funny,” he snarled at her. She backed away, and Genji came to his senses, darting to her side her. Hanzo gave him a confused look, still angry.

“It was just a joke, brother, there is no need to be so hostile,” the cyborg snapped as Mona retreated behind him.

Hanzo lowered his clenched hands and took a step back, realizing his mistake. He bowed his head and cleared his throat, trying to say something but failing to get it out. Genji glanced back to see Mona watching with fear in her eyes. She was afraid of him, more afraid than when assassins had been barreling down on her.

“Excuse me,” Hanzo eventually choked out, quickly retreating the way he came. Genji sighed and turned to Mona.

“Somehow that went worse than I imagined it would,” she stammered. She tried to laugh, but it came out as a shaky cough.

“My dear girl,” Genji said softly. “I did not think he would – that he would be so – ”

She smiled at him. “It’s okay. It was an accident. I can’t be mad at him for reacting like that when we’re the ones who surprised him.”

“I will talk to him. Surprised or not, I will not allow him to intimidate you like that,” Genji grumbled angrily.

“Whatever you think is best.” She was staring at the floor, pulling at the end of her braid.

Genji put his arms around her and squeezed her close. He’d never fully hugged her like this before, but she was quick to bury her face in his chest, holding him tight.

“I am sorry,” he whispered, nuzzling her with his visor.

“I’m not angry or anything. Just a little spooked.” She chuckled. “Guess that’s karma.”

Mona pulled back before Genji was ready, but he released her nonetheless, admiring her at arm’s length. “Do not let that grouchy old man ruin your night,” he said tenderly, “We still have a party to get to and other, more amenable, people to see.”

“Sounds good,” she said with a nod. “I’ll go get changed and meet you there, okay?”

“I will be waiting,” Genji said with a smile.

Hanzo arrived to the get-together late, no costume and looking incredibly awkward. As soon as the others stopped giving him a hard time, he pulled Mona away and apologized for his behavior while Genji watched carefully. Mona, of course, was the kind little thing she always was and forgave him. Hanzo had looked thoroughly relieved. The brothers were still going to have a very long discussion about exercising emotional control, but it appeared that Genji’s hopes for a loving family hadn’t been dashed quite yet.

[dogsofwarrp]

the second instalment of our our lifestyle and historical context posts. this is a lot of condensed information and of course we recommend, if you’re into that sort of thing, you go and google and read up about the war and the time period in question to broaden your knowledge.

this right here is our lifestyle and fashion post and our historical context post is right here if you want to take a peek. if you have any questions, or want any additional information that you can’t find for yourself, then please message us and we’ll try and answer any queries you might have!!!!

WESTERN FASHION

The Great War influenced fashion and as a result clothes were simpler than ever before and toned down. Women’s skirts, which use to be floor length, rose well above the ankles! Before WWI began women’s fashion was based on Orientalism, with soft drapery and bold prints, while men’s fashion had an Edwardian style with suits during the day, formal tailcoats for the evening, and more casual attire for sporting events. During the war those fashions changed as materials were needed towards the front and necessity became more important than extravagance.

WOMEN'S FASHION:

Waistlines became looser and less defined. They also dropped closer to the natural waistline.

Women wore calf-length dresses over ankle-length fuller underskirts.

The war changed fashion by necessity. With more and more women in the workforce, they needed appropriate clothing. Thus came along shirtwaists and tailored suits. Women discarded underskirts.

High-necked collars disappeared in favor of square and v-necklines.

Girdles replaced corsets giving freedom of movement for factory workers.

Garters held up stockings.

Hats became simpler, veils and plumage no longer popular.

Lip rouge, eyeliner, and powder were accepted and lightly applied by “smart woman”

Darker colors and simpler cuts became the norm, and a new monochromatic look emerged.

According to Eileen Collard, Coco Chanel introduced costume jewelry, replacing expensive necklaces with glass and crystal beads.

Women wore their hair in one of three styles: up in a loose chignon (a knot or coil on the back of a the head), down in rivers of ringlets (like Mary Pickford), or in a new trend coming from Paris — the bob!

Most women only washed their hair once a month and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

MEN'S FASHION:

Three-piece suits consisting of a sack coat (replacing the frock coat), waistcoat/vest, and trousers were worn. Either all pieces matched, or two pieces matched and one contrasted. The contrasting piece being either the trousers or waistcoat.

Trousers had turn-ups or cuffs and creases down the front and back. They were ankle length with the gap between the trousers and the shoes, which was filled with short gaiters or spats.

Special occasions called for special clothing:

blazers for sporting or casual events

Norfolk jackets with matching breeches/knickerbockers for shooting and rugged outdoor activities

morning coats for the most formal occasions

dark tailcoats and trousers with a dark or light waistcoat and worn with a white bow tie and a winged-collared shirt for formal evening occasions

Hats included silk top hats, Homburgs, bowler hats, newsboy caps, and flat caps. Straw boaters and fedora hats started gaining in popularity. Panama hats were worn for travel.

Hair was generally short. Wide mustaches were often curled.

SOLDIER'S LIFE

Life on the war front was different than any other battled that preceded the Great War. The war had begun with a series of catastrophic battles that had lasting effect up until the war ended in 1918. The most deadliest months being August and September of 1914. The armies have dug trenches that extended from the North Sea to the Swiss border. The double network of trenches was divided by no-mans land, causing both sides to be at a standstill. Each side was both the besieger and the besieged.

For soldiers in the trenches, the war had two different kinds of experiences: very difficult life and moments of actual combat in sudden bursts. Soldiers lived on a day to day existence that was trying emotionally and physically. They took very long walks, had to do hard labor, and lived in difficult conditions outside during all seasons. Life was also comprised of long periods of inactivity, discouragement and boredom that was filled with reading, writing letters, and doing craftwork in the trenches. Many also spent their days repairing shells or cave ins, and hauling food and water to the front and men to the rear. There was also lice, rats, and other vermin that lived along with the soldiers, which caused diseases to spread among the men. Rats were a HUGE problem as they were the main vermin who spread disease, and they often fed on food scraps and body parts. War also transformed the bodies of men, as they lost weight and grew a lot of facial and body hair from lack of hygiene. Survival was the worst enemy for soldiers on the front as most didn’t even see the enemy. The network of trenches were very confusing, especially in the dark, so many were marked with names as numbers.

The German trenches were much more tolerable with concrete bunkers and elaborate barracks that went several stories below ground - accompanied by lightning.

Any food that arrived came cold, and during artillery bombardments it wouldn’t come for hours or days. Most food that was eaten was hard bread, canned meat and instant coffee. When emergency rationing was made, a chocolate cake powder of meat, wheat, and chocolate, it was the first success at instant food. Buried bodies were often unburied by Artillery blasts and re-buried by another in many sectors of the front lines. At night every two weeks, new units from the rear came to relieve those in the front, to give soldiers “rest” from the constant barbarment. This so called rest was usually a lot of labor.

UNITED STATES

The Great War is a transitional time in America. The nation has moved from the Gilded Age into what is known as the Progressive Era. A surge in railroad construction, industrialization, growth in real wages, and an influx of immigrants to the country. Most immigrants came from Europe. There was also a lot going on at the time, women fighting for their rights, scientific discoveries, moderation and reform. Technology is meager, financial ruin is one downturn away, war is ongoing in Europe, and Americans had choices to make between cars, clothes, food and home with a monotonous consumer economy.

Working conditions in 1917 were horrible, mediocre at best. Eighty-five percent of men over the age of 14 are in the labor force. With the dawn of scientific management, factory workers found a new co-worker joining their ranks - the time clock. Those who worked in any manufacturing job found themselves working an average of 55 hours a week. They worked in dangerous conditions with 61 deaths per 100,000 workers. Women didn’t work if at all, with the majority of those who did finding employment in education. This is mainly because school boards preferred female teachers because they were more loving and accepted less wage than men. Social Security hasn’t existed as making it to an old age during this time was a feat among itself. Life expectancy was also not very high - at only 54 years of age. For those who reached old age they lived in poverty, because they couldn’t work. The industrializing economy was no country for old men and women.

America has one-third of its population living on farm or in rural areas. The business of America at the time was still farming, but it was slowly being removed by industrialization. Half of all families lived in spread our rural areas where population count reached below two thousand. The same families also had an average of four people per household. This was because few could afford to live alone. Children lived under their parents roof until they married (average 21), widows moved back in with children when their husband died, and pretty much nobody got divorced. Even owning a house was difficult as mortgages typically required 50% down payment. As a result there were more renters than owners - with four times the amount. Buying was just a hassle.

Babies were precious and held on a high regard. Women had more children because children were more likely to die - ten percent of infants died in the first year. Women also still gave birth at home with few going to the hospital. Midwives were used 87% more than Doctors as hospitals still weren’t trusted when you could deliver in the comfort of your own home. As families relocated to cities, many sent their children to work. There was no “high school” and no “teenagers” because social standards didn’t have an isolated environment for the word to exist. “Teens didn’t create "high school." High schools created “teenagers."” Kids being forced to toil in the mill or in a factory was why there was no compulsory education for those over the age of fourteen. With the average income being only $800 a year it was important for all hands on deck to do their party in bringing in money as soon as they were old enough.

Americans walked everywhere, or took a streetcar if they lived in a city. Streetcars were the biggest means of transportation with lines crisscrossing in every direction. The commute was the only great thing during this time, as most could walk to work as it was nearby. If it was too far to walk people rode horses and hitched their horse on rails that lined up and down the streets. Only one of every fifty people had cars, and there weren’t many car-friendly places one could drive it. There was even a fear that young men and fast cars was uprooting romance. So much that in 1909 Cole Porter wrote a song about keeping away from a fellow with an automobile.

MISC FACTS

Woodrow Wilson is President

The American flag has 45 stars

Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write. Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Bread cost 9 cents and first class stamp cost 2 cents

Middle class on the rise, ice cream social the rage

Jazz music grew and expanded as it became popular

Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

More homes had plumbing and electricity - gas stove/oven vacuum cleaner, player pianos, phonography, and a brownie camera.

Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet.

There was neither a Mother's Day nor a Father's Day.

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach, bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health!"

Fuel for cars was sold in drug stores only.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

The movies were popular with charlie chaplin's best films and big stars like mary pickford. Movie tickets only cost 7 cents

In theatres: Cleopatra (October), Tom Sawyer (December), The Little American (August), The Man Without A Country (September) White Sox beat the Giants to win the world series

Georgia Tech was NCAA Football Champions

The NHL was founded

Ninety percent of all Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as "substandard."

George M. Cohan’s song “Over There” became popular when the US declared war on Germany and entered the war that had already begun three years ago

In short - everything was worse except the commute

Raggedy Ann doll was created on September 7, 1915 and introduced to the public in 1918 in the book Raggedy Ann Stories

GREAT BRITAIN

The Great War in Great Britain is a time full of sorrow, fear, and grief. When war was declared in 1914 many men choose to go fight. However, many more choose to stay at home and provide for their families. The streets were flooded with celebrations as many believed the war would end in Christmas of the same year. Those that didn’t join were looked at as cowards - and were refused service by shops and pubs. This was because many believed a victory against Germany - and a quick one at that - needed the vast majority of the nation to support and join up in arms. This enthusiasm didn’t last after the Battle of Marne, as it became obvious that a long and deadly war had set in.

Conscription came two years later as the Army needed more men to fight. Any man age 18-41 were forced to fight in the armed forces. This left women to take on roles outside of the home, making explosive shells and others went to work in the country as Land Girls or hospitals as nurses. As the war went on more and more women took on men’s jobs. Older relatives looked after children as the women worked, and any children old enough to work did so to help with living expenses.

Divorce was very unusual, but there was still a lot of single families from fathers dying in war and mothers who were killed in explosions at the factories. Some mothers had also died in childbirth as medicine was not as advance at the time. In many cases both sets of parents died and a child had no other relatives to take them in, so they were sent to an Orphanage or poor house with others who didn’t have a home. The war changed the life of children as prior to it children were “seen and not heard”. They became more involved in supporting war efforts at home and as a result were more respected.

As the war went on a huge fear swept through Great Britain, which sapped morale and support from the citizens. The British Government had a huge task ahead of them to keep spirits high and rallying troops, and the entire nation, to the war efforts. Loyalty was fleeting, however, as independent labor parties, unions of democratic control, and women’s leagues opposed the war. This led to anti-war demonstration and riots in industries. While some resistances were crushed, others held strong to support for independence leaders, and resistance to the war still grew.

Since the declaration of war the Government passed the Defence of the Realm Act (DORA), which gave authorities the power to intervene in the lives of their citizens. They were empowered to take over factories or workshops, curfews and censorships were imposed, and restrictions on movement introduced. One couldn’t even discuss military matters in public lest they be thrown in jail and tried as a spy. Almost anyone could be arrested for “causing alarm” so people learned to keep quiet. Pub hours were cut, beer was watered down, and any woman suspected of having venereal disease could be stopped by police and subjected to an gynaecological examination. Any woman that tested positive with VD could be prosecuted for having sexual intercourse with a serviceman. It didn’t matter if the man was her husband and had given her the disease in the first place. The woman was still in the wrong.

Any outsiders were held on high suspicion and thought of as spies. DORA and the Aliens Restrictions Act severely curtailed any non-British born subjects. Even those who had resided in the country for decades. They were forced to register, obtain permits if they intend to travel more than five miles, and weren’t allowed to go into certain areas. More than 32,000 were held in internment camps or sent back to their own country. This suspicion rose even more after the sinking of the Lusitania by a German submarine in 1915, causing anti-German sentiments to erupt into riots. This caused 200 business to be destroyed in Liverpool, only 2 of 21 Metropolitan London police districts were freed from riots, and the country fell into hysterical methods of violence. Those that were accused of spying were forced out of their homes and the spy fever rose. Many right-wing newspapers had claims of a list of traitors and spies in high places.

The war led to inflation and many poor families couldn’t afford the increase. The impact of the German U-boats led to food, fuel, and material shortages as everything was directed towards the war front. Working-class families were better off with the rationing, rent control, rising bacon imports and increased consumption of milk and eggs. Transportation was done mostly on bikes with few cars and trucks, as they were used mainly for the upper class and transport of goods.

MISC FACTS

JRR Tolkien wrote his first book about middle earth

Jobs in the civil service, factories, docklands and arsenals, tramways, Post Office and farms were feminised.

There were newly established Women Police Volunteers, Women Police Service and Women Patrol Committee

Women were still paid only half of what men earned

This was the first time civilians were attacked during an war

Civilians had a relatively low chance of being killed in enemy raids. Only 1,300 civilians were killed when Zeppelins rained bombs on London in 1915 and Gotha Giant bombers followed in 1917

Dogs were used as messengers to carry orders to the front lines in capsules attached to their bodies.

By October 1915, these raids effectively ended when pilots from the Royal Naval Air Service flew night patrols to protect the city

More than 41,000 men had their limbs amputated during the war; 272,000 suffered injuries in the legs or arms that did not require amputation; 60,500 were wounded in the head or eyes; and 89,000 sustained other serious damage to their bodies.

GERMANY

The Great War in Germany is a time of hardship and famine. The Allied forces had cut off supplies to Germany that the people had to rely on their own agriculture to feed its civilians and it’s mast army. This lack of food also affected the people health. Mortality rate rose among the citizens, with many dying of malnutrition or diseases related to weakened bodies. Any food that was available was expensive, and wages weren’t high enough for families to afford a balanced meal.

Things got worse by 1915, especially those in Urban areas, and resentment towards those living in rural areas grew. Farmers were accused of stashing food away for themselves and riots began across the land in response to the food shortages. By 1916, soap, fat, cheese, and butter were unavailable, while coal, shoes, and textiles were scarce. Food prices kept climbing and so the Government implanted maximum prices on certain items. They also established compulsory “meatless” and “fat less” days to help combat the tension over food. Those left on the home front mostly had a diet of potatoes and bread, but even these items were difficult to acquire as the war continued.

To help control supply and distribution the Government also established war food offices. Though their power was limited and they couldn’t control other organizations that offered produce. Because so many laws were implanted during the war, it was difficult to control and oversee them all at once, which led to counterproductive outcomes that didn’t help families.

Families had to adapt to significant changes during WWI. Since Conscription took so many men away, family identities changed and the youth found themselves unable to depend on their parents to provide for them. So they took jobs to supplement the lack of income. Women also took jobs left behind by men, but they were being treated as inferior and paid less than the children who worked alongside them. But there was no choice as everyone in the household had to work, if they were able, just to survive. Enthusiasm towards victory has faded with the large amounts of casualties and dwindling supply on the home front.

Children suffered the most from the Allied blockade on Germany, especially those in working class. Severus malnutrition was very common among children. Especially in the Winter of 1916 and 1917, as turnips were used to substitute potatoes and meat. As food rationing got worse the German government even had to cut back on soldiers rations. Causing morale to plummet both on the home front and those fighting in the war. Hot water soon became in short supply as well, with street lightening and the closing of entertainment following soon after. Many flocked into large cities because there was no work or supplies where they lived, causing overcrowded living conditions.

Overall, daily life involved long working conditions, poor health, no food supplies, little to no recreation, and a constant fear for the safety of loved ones fighting in the war.

MISC FACTS

Explosive blew up underneath the German lines in Belgium could be heard 140 miles away in London.

FRANCE

The Great War in France is unique compared to the other Allied countries. The country was split into three parts: war-front France, occupied France, and behind the lines France. During this time France is considered a great power as it’s military recovery began long before 1911. After a series of laws was passed, it was mandatory for all boys to serve in the military for two years. The army became a second republic school, and celebrating the military during important events like military parades and Bastille Day celebrations on July 14th, allowed the army to find it’s place amongst the citizens. To be in the army, to French citizens, meant you got to protect your homeland. It was a sense of pride and patriotism.

France was a prosperous country and the patiently constructed republican party was the root of its strength. However, that doesn’t mean there were tension and struggles as socialist parties fought back against the government. Their goal was to represent the interest of the working class and this caused many citizens to side with them. Beyond the political and social tensions, however, the government was still broadly accepted in the countryside and cities. With France’s renewed prosperity, the ramped up market kept the country stable and the pre-war years were among the best the country has experienced. At this time France was the fourth largest industrial power, which allowed the economy to prosper. This prosperity was what gave low birth fatality rates, which allowed families to not have to worry about having so many children in fear of deaths. It was normal for families to have at most only three children, and even less, by the eve of the war. When France entered the war it was a rich, powerful, and politically stable country, whose culture influenced even the Western countries of America and Great Britain. The morning France declared war on Germany the citizens were still coming to terms with the assassination of Jean Jaurès, leader of the socialist party, and many were astonished at the move of the government. This followed a mix of emotions among the French citizens, enthusiasm for some, resolution for the majority. A lot of citizens showed loud displays of patriotism by vandalizing shops that were deemed to be owned by “enemies”.

The first six weeks of war was not only brutal for the French soldiers, but also for the civilians. 900 civilians died within the first weeks along with dozen of burned out villages. Popular propaganda often depicted “German barbarism” and references to atrocities. Many civilians that were captured by the enemy were used as forced laborers. Many were lucky enough to flee, but those that weren’t often found themselves shipped to Germany, be on constant watch by soldiers for any movements, and poor living conditions. Those that fought back with violence and didn’t succeed, were met with either horrible prison conditions or death. Those that weren’t shipped to Germany and used as forced labor in France, became silent allies to French soldiers by helping them escape to neutral countries, hid them from the enemy, and even became spies. The women who were captured found themselves in an affective and sexual relationship between themselves and the enemy. This led to fleeting relationships, aside from prostitution and rape (which wasn’t common surprisingly), and were viewed by many who didn’t partake in these relationships as suspicious. Many of these relationships resulted in illegitimate births of “enemy children”.

Winters were also harsh for French citizens as it became difficult to acquire provisions and heating up food. Prices hikes became more severe than in previous months during the war, so the government began to distribute ration cards to help cover these costs. Strikes soon followed, with women leading the charge as they were paid less than men for doing the same amount of work, which produced a large-scale movement that affected the entire country. Even men took up strike with the women. The strikes never escalated into violence, and the movement was appeased when demands were met: improved working conditions, shorter hours, and wage increases. Despite the harsh winters, life still went on for civilians as they enjoyed leisure, artistic, and cultural activities.

As the home front took in refugees from the occupied lands of France, a new form of solidarity arose and strong ties and connections took root. Civilians found common ground with the war tearing apart families and couples, and living conditions being harsher than before. Millions of letters were sent sent daily between the war and home fronts. This gave civilians a much more understanding of how things were going at the war front. The home front was also transformed into a giant hospital, with schools, and even people own homes being turned into civilian hospitals. The presence of these wounded men made the war seem more tangible to the violence that occurred. War charities flourished for those behind the line, as they were a favoured means for civilians to participate in the war.

MISC FACTS

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.

OTTOMAN EMPIRE

The Great War in the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) was a strong ally of Germany and entered the war with a surprise attack on Russia. They saw the war as an opportunity to gain back lost territories and incorporate new lands into the empire. They were well armed thanks to Germany and their strong defensive position made them more than a match to the Allies during battles. Unlike the other great powers, the Ottoman Empire with an army and economy still suffering from three wars in the last three years before 1914. Many soldiers reported to their detail to only find that there wasn’t enough uniforms and boots to go around. The disruption from the Balkan Wars and their primitive railroad network made the Ottoman Empire the slowest to mobilize. Even when it reached it’s full strength in manpower, it just didn’t have the key weapons and modern artillery like the rest of the great powers.

Since the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire has exercised formal sovereignty over the lands of Arabia. They controlled territory in modern-day Turkey and most of the middle east. Those who weren’t Muslim subjects received regular discrimination and outright persecution. In the decade before 1915 the empire experienced a series of political upheavals. The Sultan position was reduced to just a figurehead and power was seized by young Turks - a group of well-educated Turkish military officers intent on moving the empire to a more modern era. This should’ve included ending official discrimination against non-Muslims, encouraging the education and emancipation of women, and increasing the jurisdiction of secular laws at the expanse of Islamic ones. But this didn’t succeed and efforts were halted when the Great War began.

Despite the ambitious agenda of its leaders the empire lagged behind all the other European powers - where it once in its prime had surpassed them in wealth and power. So it was no surprise that in order to gain back lands from Russia, the Ottoman Empire would side with the Ally powers.

MISC FACTS

The population was 22 million (including 12 million ethnic Turks)

The capital for the Ottoman Empire was Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul)

Islam was the leading religion in this region with discriminations towards non-Muslims

AUSTRIA-HUNGARY

The Great War in Austria-Hungary is in a dual monarchy ruled by both Austria and Hungary together over the lands of Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and parts of Poland, Ukraine, and Romania. As they mobilized for war there quickly became a shortage of civil labor in the country. There was also an increase of disabled, escaped, hospital-bound, and repatriated Prisoners of Wars that threatened wartime economy with collapse. Which made Austria-Hungary into a decision to force POW into labor camps - in order for the collapse to not happen. This was an economic necessity. In the spring of 1915 the first prisoners were sent to such camps, and new authorized representatives had the task of creating order and control over all the POWs being sent into the monarchy. Many military and civilian authorities decided on the POW assignments that ranged from harvesting crops to industrial work. Any prisoners who were sent to small business or farmers came in close contact with civilians. The monarchy outlawed any sexual relations or love affairs in fear that it would destroy the concept of who the enemy was on the home front.

As hunger and discontent spread among the civilians of the monarchy during the war, a crisis mounts and Hungarian Prime Minister Istvan Tisza resigns at the request of the Austrian emperor, Karl I, on May 22, 1917. Austria-Hungary was already a great power in decline when the entered the Great War. The monarchy was already an predominantly agricultural society, but was not agriculturally self-sufficient. The war had cut off the empire’s two main sources of food, Russia and Romania, and the military effort cut domestic production significantly. To make matters even worse Hungary, who was the less powerful partner of the dual monarchy, closed its frontier with Austria in 1914 and began to heavily rely on its ally Germany to keep them in the war effort. Just recently, Emperor Franz Josef died; he was succeeded by his great-nephew, Karl I, who promised institute reforms and build consensus within the dual monarchy. However, his efforts led to disorder and dissent as he was a liberal and it went against Austria’s government. Many civilians saw the war as hopeless and a series of riots broke out throughout the monarchy damaging homes and creating chaos.

MISC FACTS

These two powers were weak and their mistakes were what led to the downfall of their monarchy and the nation as a whole.

The official language of the dual monarchy was German and Hungarian

The majority of citizens were Catholic

RUSSIA

The Great War in Russia had a devastating impact on the country. When they first entered the world the country rallied around Tsar Nicholas II, who spent most of his time on the Eastern front leading the army. This proved to be a disastrous move as it left his wife in control, and she was susceptible to the whims of Gregory Rasputin. Anyone who spoke out against Rasputin found themselves in the bad grace of the tsarian. Rasputin began to grow more and more powerful and soon chaos ensued in Russia. Things weren’t going any better at the war front either, as morale among the Russian soldiers was low and dissertation became a growing problem. Food supplies became harder to acquire for the army and civilians, especially as the war front moved closer and closer to home. Sending both fronts into total chaos.

In October 1916 railroad workers went on strike to protest poor working conditions, which soldiers were sent to force the strikers back to work. The leader of the progressives made an attack on the government in November, causing the government to be on the verge of a complete breakdown. Because of Nicholas being isolated on the warfront and too indecisive to make a decision, Rasputin dominated the home front. Food and fuel were scarce and the people of Russia were cold and hungry as Winter set in. This caused anger and discontent among the people and strikes began to occur.

Before the Great War began, Russian had made huge economic progress, however, it still lagged a long way behind the other major powers. Because of this economic situation, Russia realized it would lose a war with any of its rivals. The Tsar approved a “great army program” that increased the size of its army by nearly 500,000 men. This allowed Russia to have the largest army out of any of the others powers. However, the roads and railway conditions were mediocre at best, which made the deployment of soldiers quite difficult. The Tsar had been advise to not enter the war for it would be disastrous on Russia on matter the outcome, however, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand caused the people of Russia to be angry and called for justice.

MISC FACTS

Untrained troops were ordered into battle without adequate arms or ammunition. And because the Russian Army had about one surgeon for every 10,000 men, many wounded of its soldiers died from wounds that would have been treated on the Western Front.

With medical staff spread out across a 500 mile front, the likelihood of any Russian soldier receiving any medical treatment was close to zero

The men without rifles had to wait until their fellow men died before getting a weapon. The army was basically drowning in its own blood.

In 1916 two million Russian soldiers were killed or seriously wounded and a third of a million were taken prisoner.

By November, 1916, food prices were four times as high as before the war. As a result strikes for higher wages became common in Russia's cities.

[surveystodestressme]

48.

5000 Question Survey Pt. 9

801. How often do you change your mood in a day? not a lot 802. When you ask people how they are doing you actually care about their answer or is it just polite? well, when i ask while i’m at work i’m just doing it to be polite but when i ask someone i know, i care. 803. Would you consider yourself to be very polite? yeah, i think so 804. Do you like movies and books that involve nuclear holocaust? sure? lol i don’t think i’ve ever read/seen any 805. Have you ever had a lucid dream (a dream in which you knew you were dreaming and had complete control over what happened in the dream)? i don’t think so.  i’ve tried to lucid dream (apparently there’s a specific way that you have to fall asleep in order to be able to do it.  i don’t think it works tho)

806. Have you ever had a flying dream? i’m sure as a kid i did 807. Have you ever had a lucid flying dream? nope 808. What’s the oddest law you ever heard of? none at the top of my head but i’ve looked up stupid laws before and there is plenty lol 809. What is the ultimate way to connect with another person? just getting to know each other and sharing things about yourself with them 810. Can you be intimate with someone without touching him or her? i think so? sexting ig 811. Can men and women ever really be ‘just friends’ with no interest in anything more? absolutely.  i have plenty of male friends and i don’t have interest in them whatsoever.  813. Are you addicted to this survey like drugs? no lol 814. If your significant other wanted to wait for marriage could you hold out or would you leave them (or would you cheat)? well, if you’re talking about sex we’ve already done it lol.  but if he wanted to wait, i would wait for him.  i love him 815. What’s the longest sentence you can make using only words that start with the same letter as your first name? cierra cried continuously covering curious cats cruelly.  that’s all i got 816. If you had a theme song what would it be? i’d have my friends write it for me 817. Are you cranky? yeah 818. Which group generally annoys you more, people older than you, or people younger than you? people younger than me for sure 819. Do you refer to older people as old farts? lol sometimes 820. Do you refer to younger people as the kids? usually 821. Which is better: Poems that everyone can relate to or poems that are intensely personal to the author? both are good honestly. 822. Is it worse to be too hot or too cold? too hot. 823. Are you so flexible that you can put your feet behind your head? nope 824. Would you enjoy reading fairy tales written about robots? i enjoy reading lots of things 825. Is smoking a turn on or gross? not a turn on lol kinda gross 826. What is the one way you wouldn’t want to die? drowning 827. Which would look sillier on you: A cowboy hat or a Rasta hat? a cowboy hat 828. Would you rather have a job doing something indoors or outdoors? indoors. 829. Would you rather learn more about human nutrition or meteorology? meteorology 830. Have you ever taken honors courses? yeah 831. What do you think of crop circles? they’re weird 832. Where do they come from? aliens??? 833. When was the last time you screwed up big time? a couple weeks ago 834. You have a choice. What do you eat: A veggie burger this one A turkey dog A cheese sandwich 835. Do you get a lot of random instant messages? nope 836. Do you have a paper journal also?

yes 837. VHS or DVD? i don’t care either way 838. Vinyl, cassette tape, or CD? casette man.  i never got a mix tape and i’ve always wanted one 839. Have you ever seen the video/heard the song Days Go By, performed by Dirty Vegas? nope 840. MTV: should it play more videos or more shows? more videos for sure 841. Name a band: five finger death punch Do fans of that band tend to share any characteristics with each other? i don’t know? i guess so 842. What does the expression 'touch and go’ mean? do something fast 843. Caffeine or alcohol? caffeine 844. Betty or Veronica? betty Archie or Reggie or Jughead? jughead 845. What book are you reading right now? i’m not currently reading a book although i need to 846. Is the news too depressing? sometimes 847. Would you rather have a stuffed lion, elephant, pig or duck? pig 848. Are you late for a very important date? not that i remember 849. Ever use star 69? yeah 850. Is everyone as smart as you? sure 851. Have you ever seen the musical Annie? nope 852. Sheets: silk or satin? silk 853. Bath: soap or bubbles? bubbles 854. Your best color: blue or red? blue. 855. What’s your favorite candy? sour punch straws 856. Can you sing? somewhat 857. It’s the end of the world, as we know it. How do you feel? a lil mad 858. You take your little sister (she’s 12) shopping for school clothes. Mom gave you the money to hold. She picks out a skimpy top emblazoned “Hottie” and hip-hugging pants that leave at least two inches of skin north and south of her navel exposed to the wind. She insists: If she doesn’t have these clothes, she’ll look awful, the other kids will tease her, and she’ll feel like a nerd. Do you think she should or should not wear these clothes? hell fucking no Do you buy them for her? absolutely not 859. What do you think is the most annoying cliché? everything will be okay 860. What band is underground right now but will one day get really popular? uhh.. idk 861. Of the following which word best describes you: versatile (flexible): this i guess. wonderful: x-tra special: your own best friend: zany: 862. What does BYOB stand for? bring your own beer 863. Who is sexiest: Marilyn Monroe James Dean yesss Elvis Jim Morrison Madonna Cyndi Lauper 864. Do you always do what’s expected of you? i try to 865. Do you believe everything you hear on the news? nope 866. Would you prefer a $100.00 gift certificate to Hot Topic or Abercrombie & Fitch (assuming neither store gives change, so you’ll have to spend the whole thing)? hot topic 867. Have you ever won a competition? not that i remember 868. Who looks sloppier when they are over weight, guys or girls? either honestly.  but only when it’s severely overwight 869. At what age do you become all grown up? in your late 20s or early 30s 870. Have you ever written graffiti on anything? nope 871. Can you remember what you wrote? - 872. Are you a force of nature? sure??? 873. What do you think of blue eye shadow? How about gold eye shadow? they can look good 874. Would you ever wear any of the following Halloween costumes: Flapper? Hippie? Disco dancer? i’d wear all of them. 875. Should birth control be taught in high school? How about in jr. high or elementary school? yes to both 876. Would you consider yourself a genius? not at all 877. What did you think of the movie Solaris? never seen it 878. Which is usually better movies or books? books allll the way.  but i love movies too 879. Do you think The Hobbit will be made into a movie? it already is 880. Do you research which brands use sweatshops to make their clothing before you shop? no but i probably should 881. What gives you a magical feeling? love? lol idk 882. Have you ever pulled apart a Christmas cracker? i don’t even know what that is 883. Would you rather watch basketball or play basketball? watch 884. Do you think that everyone makes his or her own problems? most of the time 885. Do you often consider how your actions will affect other people? sometimes 886. Are J-Lo and Ben Afleck interesting to you at all? not really 887. Do you use bad grammar or hate bad grammar? i hate it but i occasionally use it lol 888. Make up a tabloid headline: morgan freeman lives forever 889. Do you like to learn new things? yes. 890. What’s more important, fame or personal accomplishment? personal accomplishment. 891. Sweet dreams are made of this….What are they made of? goals? lol happiness??? idk man 892. Two trailer park girls go round the outside…Round the outside of what? idk 893. Are you wearing a piece of jewelry that means a lot to you right now? nope i don’t wear jewelry 894. If someone was going to inscribe a message on a ring and give it to you what would you want it to say? i love you? 895. Guys who are losing their hair: Should they shave their heads? Get implants? Or let it go? whatever they want to do 896. Do rock stars work hard or lead the easy life? a little bit of both 897. How much water do you drink every day? ,maybe a glass of day sometimes more 898. Are you driven or kinda apathetic? driven mostly 899. Who do you turn to when you are down? jack 900. Would you ever wear seran-wrap? no??? lol

[torestoreamends]

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Show Recap – 04/03/17

I've seen the show a few times now, so at this point I'm fairly picky about what I want to see. I have favourite versions of scenes and lines. I have favourite actors and actresses in the various roles. While every performance is always amazing, I have two main criteria for what constitutes a Good Show, as in, an above average performance of the play. 1. I want it to make me feel something. I want someone to make me cry, or flail, or laugh uproariously, or have to bury my face in my scarf to contain all my emotions. 2. I want to gain new insight into the characters, or the story, or the show itself. During this particular performance, both criteria were absolutely and completely met. 

I was in the front row, for the first time in over six months. Last time I won Friday Forty. This time I just got extremely lucky with returns. Other people I talked to in the row had bought tickets at the back of the stalls months ago, but paid more than those seats are now worth, so the theatre upgraded them. I've never heard of that happening before (just like I've never heard of front row returns coming up on Nimax), but clearly these things can happen! 

The special thing about being in the front row is that you can see so much detail, not just of the acting, but of the play itself. There were little lighting things I've never realised before, and watching people sitting on the stairs in the wings was fascinating. All the lights that give the effect of the train moving are strips of bulbs up above the stage, which dim and brighten. The lighting effect (an intense blue flash of light as each wand connects) when Harry is transfigured into Voldemort, is triggered by someone in the wings watching the actors' movements, to get it precise. I saw Sam hanging out on wires for the whole time the adults are in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom (he's so incredibly relaxed up there, you wouldn't know at all that he wasn't on solid ground). And I watched Anthony's quick change between the Slumber Party and Owlery scenes (which is just him ripping off the pyjama costume and having the other clothes already underneath, then pulling the green jacket over the top). 

I'll come back to some of the offstage stuff as I go along, but for now let's get into the play itself! 

*

In the opening couple of scenes, while Ron is doing his nose stealing trick, Albus is definitely enjoying the joke. At that moment he's sort of half connected to his family, because he thinks the joke is funny and he keeps laughing at it. But at the same time he's being pulled away by this awareness of who his family are, and the pressure of that. It's like he's the only one of them who can't be completely in the moment with all the people staring at them. Clearly he wants to be, he's trying to be, but he just can't ignore everyone on the platform either. It's a great moment of inner turmoil. 

And I absolutely love how much Ginny cares for all her kids. She gives attention to each of them at different moments, and it's lovely to see. There's all her concern for Albus, her tenderness towards Lily, and before James left to get on the train she dragged him in to give him a kiss on the cheek. Also, her 'people always look at you' line felt a bit different this time. Sometimes I wonder if it bothers her, all the attention, even after years of getting used to it. But this time it just felt quite playful. However, when she called after Harry, that was quieter and more serious, and she paused a beat before calling him, like she wasn't sure if she should be worried or not. 

On the train today, Scorpius didn't even attempt to make friends with the first kid who came into his compartment. He'd already assumed no one was going to stick around, so he just gave them a resigned little nod as they left and went right back to his book. 

This performance might actually be one of the best I've seen Anthony do, especially the Voldemort timeline, although we'll get to that later. I've heard people say in the last week or so that he's changed the way he plays Scorpius, and I can see what they mean. It's not so much a fundamental change in his voice (although that is a little smoother), or in his mannerisms, it's just a new understanding of the character and where he's coming from. There's so much new meaning in every interaction, and there's no longer a moment where you feel any of the lines are driven by Anthony. It's pure Scorpius. The throw away lines are Scorpius's throw away lines, not ones Anthony is bored of. There wasn't a second that didn't feel inhabited by Scorpius.

I love the interaction between the three kids in the carriage. Scorpius is so excited to have people there, talking to him. Albus is determined to focus on Scorpius despite Rose's interference. And Rose is just full on judging Scorpius. I loved the innocent look on her face every time she hit Albus.

Scorpius did this evil little hand wiggle thing when he said 'the son of the Dark Lord', which was very cute. And then after Rose left he stayed curled in on himself for a minute, not looking at Albus, apparently certain that Albus was going to abandon him. And when Albus didn't leave, he got the sweets out, and looked up very very slowly, in complete amazement.

In case anyone's interested, the trigger for the Pepper Imp smoke is inside the sweet bag. Anthony got it half out of the bag and held it in his hand, so I could see it. 

In the Sorting scene, while the Sorting Hat is running through his speech, Rose is standing at the front of the stage muttering to herself. I'm not entirely sure what she was muttering, but I picked out the words Slytherin and Gryffindor, so I can only assume she's heard from her uncle that she can ask to be put in a particular house. There was definitely a bit of 'not Slytherin' and 'please Gryffindor' in there somewhere. And after she was sorted, James shrieked her name really loudly as he ran round to high five her. 

The Sorting Hat's noises of indecision around Albus were really intense during this performance. It got really loud and hissy, and seemed to go on for ages, until he finally made his decision. And when Albus went over to join the Slytherins, Scorpius tried to give him a double fistbump, but the pair of them are such awkward nerds that it wasn't at all smooth. I think Albus missed. 

The first time Draco appeared, during the transition scene, you could see how empty and exhausted he was. I'm pretty sure Alex is made up to look that much of a mess, because he doesn't look nearly so tired in any of the stage door pictures I've seen. Draco has these big bags under his eyes, and he just looks tired, like the weight of everything -- the rumours, Astoria's health, not being able to protect or connect with Scorpius -- are just weighing down on him. I should also note that Draco's eyes are completely perfect. I've never realised before just how grey they are. I haven't been able to verify whether Alex just has grey eyes, or if he wears contacts (I think his eyes might be slightly grey but it's hard to tell from pictures) but honestly, they're exactly what you want Draco's eyes to be. Sharp and bright and silver. 

On the station in third year, when Albus does the Incendio spell, I noticed that Sam ended up with this green powder all over his hand and his robes. So when Harry starts beating at his robes to get them clean, he really is actually brushing dust of them. All the powder had gone by the time he was done with them. 

During the third year train ride, Scorpius was fiddling with the catch on his suitcase. I could hear it clicking open and closed while he messed with it. Also, after Lily's Sorting, when Scorpius danced off stage, he sang the 'Potters don't belong in Slytherin' line. Lots of the singing and dancing has gone these days, but it's nice when some of it still remains. 

Having had a close up look at the boys' wands (Albus's during the 'my wand is stuck in the floor dance, and Scorpius's on top of the train) I can confirm that the two wands are exactly the ones that were on display at the HP celebration. Scorpius's wand really does have that much curvature to it. It actually looks really comfortable in his hand. And the designs on Albus's wand are pretty cool.

Incidentally, Albus's wand was apparently not stuck in the floor during the dance this time, because Rose knocked it over with her cloak. So he hurriedly stuck it back down and pretended nothing had happened. 

At the end of the scene between Harry and Hermione in Harry's office, Harry sits there for a moment, thinking about trying to do some of the paperwork instead of going home, almost like he's trying to work out which is the lesser of two evils. Then he seems to decide he's too tired for paperwork, so he tosses it aside and stalks out of the room. 

During the conversation between Harry and Amos, Delphi isn't waiting in the wings. She's a lurking presence at the very back of the stage, in the shadows. I've never even noticed her there before. I know she has a rapid cue, so she probably couldn't wait offstage, but I also think her presence there has some significance and foreshadowing. The conversation between Amos and Harry is driven by her Confundus Charm, so I like the fact that she's there, and her presence is very much felt. 

I also got the sense, during Delphi's line about Amos being her uncle, that that was a very rehearsed statement. Everything around it was so natural and flowing, but there was a tiny change of tone on that line, like she'd been practicing it, ready to give someone her cover story. Although presumably she had been planning to use it on Albus. I wonder what she would have done if he hadn't been sitting and listening on the stairs? Would she have found some other way to just casually bump into him? 

I love the beginning of the blanket scene, when Ginny is trying to direct the maelstrom of chaos that are her children. She gives Lily the most beautiful, soft smile when Lily says she loves her wings. It's such a sweet little moment. 

In the main bit of the blanket scene, I just got the overwhelming sense that Albus didn't want a fight. He was unhappy with the blanket because it wasn't a gift for him, but he didn't want to fight. He just wanted to be left alone. He didn't understand what his dad was doing there, talking about himself, and it was all that confusion and frustration that welled up inside him and boiled over. His jealousy of the closeness between his dad and his siblings, the fact that they got cool presents ('Fairy wings make sense, Dad, Invisibility Cloaks, they also make sense'). Albus just wants to be understood, and when he isn't, he takes a misguided route to telling his dad so. 

I love in this scene when the shouting gets so heated that their voices are almost breaking, and their spitting in each other's faces. The real peak of this scene was 'At least you've got a dad. Because I didn't okay?' 'And you think that was unlucky? I don't!' That was the moment when they were closest together and screaming the loudest. And then after The Terrible Words, Albus was physically shaking as he stepped away. Shaking and on the verge of tears. I've never more wanted to leap onstage and hug him. I wonder when he manages to stop shaking, if he does. I doubt he sleeps well that night. 

Oh, while we're at a scene with Dudley, I just want to give a shoutout the Jack North, who is completely incredible. I can't get over the clean brilliance of his movement, and how he gives everything he has 100% of the time. There's never a moment when he isn't fully engaged, especially in the dances. He's just really great, and I always look forward to watching him. I love him as Krum in particular. 

One background Dursley thing. Uncle Vernon says the line 'I forbid you to tell the boy anything more' in this strained, high pitched rasp of a voice, and I noticed that after the line he sort of sank onto the ground rubbing his throat. That was a cool detail. 

In the fourth year carriage ride, during the bread section, Albus was all uptight and frowny, and I thought he was being disapproving of Scorpius's antics. Or, not disapproving, but a bit incredulous and despairing of them. But no, he was only bothered by Rose's presence, because the second she left he lit up like the sun. I think he though Scorpius's bread bit was hilarious, but was so irritated by Rose that he couldn't enjoy it properly. I love how much Albus absolutely adores all of Scorpius's stupid little sayings, and dances, and antics. 

The thing that makes the quiz section of this scene so wonderful is that Albus knows all the answers, and he knows Scorpius knows all the answers. He only asks the question to give Scorpius a bit of fun. During Scorpius's answer to the first one he's beaming at him, overjoyed and marvelling at how much of a nerd his friend is. Also, Scorpius said 'Yes, a quiz!' with so much excitement that the whole audience laughed, and Albus did too. Albus delighting in his best friend gives me so much happiness. And what also gives me so much happiness is that, despite any misgivings, Scorpius would follow his best friend to the ends of the earth if Albus asked him to. 

On top of the train, Scorpius's 'the trolley witch is coming towards us' was so over the top of ridiculous. He was just screaming it in Albus's face in pure panic, and flailing in her direction. 

The boys didn't do the full on hand grab that they sometimes do when they're knocked back by the Pumpkin Pasty explosion, but they did sort of pat at each other, giving each other encouragement. This was a particularly handsy Scorbus show. They were all over each other, with little bits of hand holding and clothes playing and tickling and arm punches... I'll get to those later. Suffice to say that, despite the lack of them holding hands on top of the train, the rest of the show more than made up for it. 

A random observation from the EGM, everyone has different coloured linings to their cloaks. Annabel has purple, but there were definitely some in green, and other colours too. It just adds to the effect when they're all swirling their cloaks around in that pre-EGM dance. 

I'm still not over how Draco simply doesn't want to be at the first EGM. He stands by the wall, arms folded, off in his own little world of misery. He shuffles around, kicks at the floor in frustration, tries to get comfortable and fails. He's restless and unhappy, and devoid of any energy. He's just so done with the whole meeting before it's even started. But of course Harry knows he's there, and cares about his presence. Maybe he knows that what he's saying will have some impact on Draco? He glances down at him before he starts speaking about Voldemort's allies. 

Draco has so much fun trolling and joking with and mocking the world that's made his life a misery. He actually grins down at the floor when Harry starts talking about Dark Marks, like 'here we go'. And when he destroys the meeting at the end, I enjoyed how people were running after him, either to yell at him or to agree with him. Milligan went sprinting after him shouting 'MALFOY!' 

Speaking of Milligan! I love him at the beginning of the St Oswald's scene. There's a reason the 'inmates' all gang up on him. First he takes one witches knitting from her, then he takes a man's cup of tea (and he drinks some of it as he's walking away with it). Clearly he's the bad cop of the staff. 

Before I forget to mention it again, I think Delphi has an Augurey feather in her hair. There's this feathery streak of black right up by where her hair is tied, and it could be some sort of alice band, but I think it only goes down one side, and it certainly looked like a feather to me. 

One interesting bit of interaction from the scene in the kitchen at the Potters' house. When Ginny talks about inviting Scorpius to stay, she gives Harry this really stern look, and I wonder if maybe they discussed it, and Harry wasn't at all keen on having Scorpius round. It was a really significant, irritated look, right at that moment in the conversation, and it was quite clear she wasn't happy with Harry's opinions on the subject. 

Scorpius talking about the taste of fish will never not make me smile. The boy hates the stuff. He kept pulling the most disgusted faces and sticking his tongue out while he was asking Delphi what it tasted of. And then, when she said it didn't taste of fish, he looked at Albus and gave him a thumbs up, and Albus grinned and patted him on the back. 

Jamie as Scorpius flailed his cloak so hard round his head that he almost fell over. And at one point he stuffed all his fingers into his mouth. He's really got the Scorpius mannerisms down to a fine art. 

During the scene where the adults are looking at the map of the UK, when Draco said 'he's my sole heir', he looked round at Ginny and saw her giving him this slightly disgusted look, as if she was wondering if all he cares about is the Malfoy name, which is a little odd because Ginny is usually the sympathetic one. Anyway, his clarification that Scorpius is his only family came right after that, like he was proving to her that it's more than that, that Scorpius is more important than just an assurance of the survival of his family name. 

I absolutely detest the first riddle in the bookcase scene, and have done ever since June. The way they go about answering it is just appalling, and there's no way any first time audience member, someone who's never read the script, could ever follow it. They don't think nearly enough about it, and I cringe every single time Hermione comes up with the answer from nowhere. It's my least favourite line in the play, I think. 

Anyway, with that rant out of the way... I noticed that inside the bookcase, the books are sort of foam and have a curved corner, so they're easy to slide in and out of. Almost like rollers in a soft play area for kids, where you can slide through them. 

*

So I've been told that yesterday's cast board was incorrect, and that Lowri James was on as Petunia and co. instead of Morag. Honestly, whoever it was, they were amazing and did a fantastic job. 

In the scene in McGonagall's office, when Ron walks in, Harry gave him such a look. It was complete exasperation and incredulity, like he couldn't believe his best friend had his mind on his stomach at a moment like this. And then when Draco arrived, Harry sort of tightened up, and Draco grinned at him. The 'Harry Potter is always where the action is at' line was brusque and mocking, a little accusatory, and Ginny's line was stepping in to calm the tensions down, and get them out of the office before a fight broke out. 

One of my favourite things about this slightly adapted version of Scorpius that Anthony's playing at the moment, is how well it relates to the one stage direction from Act Two, Scene Four: He looks at his friend talking to a girl -- and part of him likes it and part of him doesn't. I've never felt that quite so palpably before this show, but it really coloured his whole interaction with Delphi all day. He didn't hate Delphi, he hated Albus's relationship with Delphi. 

I noticed him standing among the trees, watching them for a bit before he stepped forward. This was another of the scenes where he was using the smoother voice again, and there was a twist and sarcasm and exasperation there, but he didn't have a problem with Delphi aside from when she was messing with Albus. You could feel that tension in there, the liking it but not liking it. 

Another thing I noticed in this show, and I don't if it's because I've been thinking about it recently, but I understood more exactly how losing Astoria really drives Scorpius through the story. He gets grief and loss, and how it can affect people, and he seems to really sympathise and empathise with that. With Amos, and the loss of Cedric, and with Snape, and the loss of Lily and Dumbledore. Delphi's line in this particular scene, about them having the chance to give an old man his son back, seemed to resonate with that side of his character in particular. 

And then at the end of the scene, the 'she didn't kiss me' part was wonderfully sarcastic. Scorpius sort of stood right in front of Delphi, deliberately blocking her way out so she had to dodge round him. It wasn't that he expected her to kiss him, it was more that he was trying to make a point to Albus that she wouldn't. He was making a big deal of Albus's obvious attraction, possibly because he didn't really know how to react to it.

In another example of me not being able to read the cast board, I had no idea Adam was on as Bane, so I spent most of yesterday telling my friends how great Nuno was, whoops! Anyway, Adam was awesome (and has really intense eyes?) This whole scene was quite different to how it usually plays out, and at the end, when Bane tells Harry he could lose his son forever, his voice was very soft and dangerous. It felt like a real warning, and that he wanted Harry to be cautious. It wasn't just comments about things he'd seen. It had more weight and gravitas than that. It was a great little scene. 

One of the reasons I love sitting in the front row, is that you can look round at the auditorium behind you, and the scene where Albus and Scorpius see Hogwarts through the trees is one of those where the whole auditorium is really used as part of the set. There are all these lamps throughout the whole theatre, which are lit up during this scene, and when I turned back to look at them they were like fireflies glowing in the darkness. Very beautiful. 

In fact that scene as a whole was beautiful. I enjoyed watching Albus's expression change throughout it. At first he's smiling, because the school really does look beautiful, and because Scorpius takes so much joy in seeing it and talking about it. Then he sort of sighs and says about it being terrible after all, which is meant to be a joke, a joke they can both share, because Hogwarts has been awful for both of them, hasn't it? But when Scorpius says it hasn't been for him, Albus just stares at him in pure confusion. It's the first seed that shows how the library scene can happen. Albus assumes that Scorpius feels the same as him, has the same desires and wishes, and he doesn't really look beyond himself. That's perfectly demonstrated with those moment of shock as Albus realises for the first time that his best friend of three years actually doesn't hate school. 

After that, he collapses into a deep, unhappy frown when Scorpius talks about wanting a mate like Harry Potter. Albus, who worries so much about measuring up to his dad, who's a constant failure and disappointment, suddenly discovers that he must have been disappointing Scorpius all along. And it's a beautiful revelation to him when Scorpius tells him that no, he's better. I feel like we get so much insight into Albus in this scene, and it's one of my favourites purely for that. 

In case anyone's interested, when they're using the Time-Turners, the person holding it (usually Scorpius or Draco) has a bit of see-through elastic stuff looped round their neck, which they hook their fingers through to hold it up and let it spin freely. 

One thing I noticed in this particular Time-Turner transition was that the boys kept glancing at each other as they travelled, almost reassuring each other that it was going to be okay.

And then they arrived. And this is the moment when Anthony really started to come into his own with Scorpius. There was so much pure Scorpius gold in the first task, which is probably always there, but this time I didn't have Mackey and Wyatt distracting me, and the boys were just inches in front of me, so I could do nothing but watch them. 

Scorpius is completely overwhelmed to start off with. He can't quite seem to comprehend that he's here. This is history and he's witnessing it right now. He's at the actual, real, first task of the Triwizard Tournament. He doesn't smile for a while, he just sort of stares around at everything, mouth slightly open, taking it all in. But then when Fleur was introduced, he looked around and gave Albus this huge grin, almost like 'can you believe we're here?' It was history geek Scorpius in all his nerdy glory. Just perfect characterisation. 

And when he walked into Hermione, it was because he was so into it. Wondering at everything, really having fun by that point. It was like even though he knew what was going to happen he was so excited to be able to watch the Triwizard Tournament (and I can totally relate to that). He was so distracted that he went sideways into her, and Albus had to save him, because he really forgot what he was doing at that moment, and where he was. He looked lost (which just goes to show how well he does in the Voldy timeline). But once they'd got themselves out of that one, Scorpius looked at Albus and whispered 'I am so sorry', and Albus shook his head like 'it doesn't matter, we have a job to do'. It was a really sweet moment between the two of them.

I think I've already mentioned Alex Price's eyes in this recap, but I don't care. When the adults come running on, once Albus and Scorpius have returned from time, Draco ran in with the most fierce, blazing look in his eyes. It was fierce, intense desperation, and it was the most alive he'd looked up to that point. I will never stop being in awe of how Alex and Anthony portray the Malfoy family relationship when they have only one scene alone together, and the person most of their interaction is based around never appears on stage. It's incredible acting. 

I say this every single time I see Nicola as Hermione, but I think she's incredible. She portrays the perfect imposing but also broken Hermione of the second timeline. There's a moment where she brandishes her wand at Albus like it's a knife, but then she closes her eyes and presses the handle to her forehead, like she doesn't have the energy for any of this. I also really enjoyed her delivery of 'been having those dreams again have you Potter?' which was just the right level of sarcastic and mocking. 

This performance's Staircase scene was awful, in the best possible way. Heart wrenching. When the boys met at the top of the stairs, Scorpius seemed like he was trying to crack a joke with Albus, but Albus wasn't responding. It was as though Scorpius didn't really know what to say or do, so he defaulted to the things that normally make Albus smile. 

There's also a moment where Albus runs underneath the staircase Scorpius is sitting on, and normally Scorpius gets up and throws himself after Albus, leaning over the banister to watch him walk away. But this time he simply didn't have the energy. He just stayed sitting there, staring down at the ground. I almost thought he wouldn't stand up for the end of the scene. As the staircases wheeled round for the boys to face each other, Scorpius stayed sitting there for a moment, and when he dragged himself up it looked painful and exhausted. He walked really quickly down the stairs, barely looking at Albus, while Albus stared at him in miserable desperation. 

And during the duel, the staircase Scorpius is on is taken out into the wings, and I could see him still sitting there. Only a couple of people in the theatre can see into the wings that far, and I'm certain I was the only one watching, and yet Anthony didn't break character out there for even a second. He started off curled up to one side, sort of slumped across the staircase in a miserable ball. Then he switched sides and leaned against the banister. He tucked his hair behind his ear and inspected his fingernails. Every inch Scorpius, even offstage. 

The duel was as great as usual, and Alex nearly forgot the line 'I wear it better'. There was a lengthy pause while he tried to remember it, but we got there in the end. 

I really do love the scene between Scorpius and Delphi on the stairs. You see Scorpius's natural sympathy and kindness come shining through. In this performance, when Delphi said about how she'd been too ill to come to school, his eyebrows went right up, like his entire perception of her had been changed in that single moment. It shows how brilliantly manipulative she is, that she found the one thing that would make him really okay with her. I also adore the way Anthony says 'oh' when Delphi starts talking about how she has to do something about Scorpius and Albus. He was perfectly happy to talk about changing time, or really anything, but his face just falls the second his and Albus's friendship is mentioned. Albus, at that point, is the last thing in the world he wants to talk about.

The way Draco grins with sheer delight when Ginny says Harry does most of the cooking gives me so much joy. It's like all his christmases have come at once, with that single piece of information. Anything to troll Potter. 

Harry's look when Draco interrupts him talking about how he wants to protect Albus is just pure sullenness. To hear himself compared to Lucius Malfoy of all people might be the most insulted Harry has ever been. He folds his arms, sinks down in his chair, and glares in the opposite direction, wanting to hear none of it. 

I also love how, even before Draco directly addresses or acknowledges Harry, he's really speaking to him throughout the scene. The words are meant entirely for Harry, and even if he doesn't look at or acknowledge him, that's who he's hoping to reach. I just like Draco's authority, and how he can project that sort of thing, and how Harry, as much as he hates it, can't ignore Draco. These days he cannot deny that Draco has a point. I think that shows how much Harry has grown up over the years. He's developed some kind of respect for Draco, and I think as the play goes on, Draco realises that fact and comes to respect Harry in return. 

The library scene in this performance was spectacular. Throughout the pre-amble to Scorpius's speech, whenever someone shushed them, Scorpius turned round and gave them a little respectful and apologetic nod, before continuing to have his heated conversation with Albus. The wrestling match was pretty intense and lengthy, before Albus finally won the Time-Turner. Scorpius's speech was as effervescent as always, full of raw emotion and fight, but the real highlights came during the apology. 

Often Scorpius just curls up and doesn't look at Albus at all until the end, but this time Scorpius was watching him while he spoke about Astoria, and how they don't discuss her enough. He then curled back up again, during the part about the black cloud. But when Albus said he didn't think Voldemort was capable of having a child like him, Scorpius just completely melted. It was like any misgivings he had towards Albus just disappeared in an instant; all his misery went away, because of the wonderful thing Albus had just said about him, and the fact that Albus thought he was kind. And then there was the little smile they shared when Scorpius said he should quit while he was ahead.

I also loved how Scorpius replied to Albus's 'Friends?' with 'Always' but didn't initially reach out to shake Albus's hand. He sat there and looked at Albus for a long moment, before Albus insisted they shake. And when Albus pulled him into the hug, he was almost horizontal he was sprawled so off balance against Albus. It would have only taken for Anthony's shoe to slip, and the two of them would have both ended up in a heap on the floor (it's going to happen one day, and it'll be hilarious when it does). 

A hilarious note from offstage during this scene. I happened to glance across and see Paul trying to crawl silently up onto the staircase so he could be ready for the next scene with Hermione. Just Paul's corduroy clad bum disappearing up the stairs. Ridiculous. 

When the adults gather in McGonagall's office to find out what Albus and Scorpius are doing, Harry's 'like I say -- peace -- not war,' earned him the filthiest glare from Draco. Draco spent the whole day being disgusted with everyone around him, and it was wonderful. 

Also in this scene (sorry, it was just a day of Alex and Anthony stealing the show, what can I say?) as they all ran offstage, Draco's 'what on earth would they be doing there?' was thrown out, almost gabbled, which somehow made it even funnier? The audience lost it. 

I will never be over Albus's little hand spread of victory when Myrtle appears in the bathroom. His delight in his plan coming through is just a joy to see. And he knows how much Scorpius will enjoy seeing her too. Everything he does is as much for Scorpius's entertainment as for himself. I guess in that sense, Albus really does think about Scorpius and his emotions, just maybe not in the most important moments. 

I really loved how Scorpius's line 'of course -- you're a genius -- Moaning Myrtle...' didn't trail off in this show. It was cut off, as Myrtle leaped in and started berating him. I haven't seen that abrupt an interruption before, so that was cool. 

I honestly can't tell you much about what the adults were doing during their bit in Myrtle's bathroom, because I was too busy enjoying how chill Sam was on the wires. Everyone on wires gets hooked up in the wings, in the front two entrances to the stage. Sam was in the very front one, and the actual harnessing is done with a black drape over the wings (the Dementors are similarly hidden, much to my disappointment), but during the adults' bit, he was lifted up and suspended above the arch over the entrance to the stage. I assume the same happens with James L on the other side of the stage. It was amazing though, because if you didn't know he was on wires you really wouldn't know at all. He looked so thoroughly relaxed, one hand on the wall next to him, as though he were standing on solid ground. Sam's wire work in general is great, to the point where I genuinely still sometimes forget that he actually isn't under water in the lake. 

Anyway, briefly back to the adults in Myrtle's bathroom. There was a great moment where, when the truth about the Time-Turner comes out, Draco looks around at the others in sheer disbelief and exasperation. It was as though he was thinking 'you have got to be kidding me. All these rumours are THEIR fault'. I love how Draco is kind of a passenger in this ridiculous drama, which is driven by Harry and Albus's woes, it's always so much fun seeing his reaction to all the information we as an audience have already been given. His reactions really are wonderful. 

*

Scorpius's chat with Polly Chapman was probably the best one I've seen from both sides. Scorpius was a mix of incredulous and amused. It was almost as though he didn't entirely grasp the seriousness of his role in the timeline until they heard the screaming from the dungeon. He was just sort of enjoying something that was a perk of this timeline. Enjoying it, but also being utterly amazed and confused by it. 

And Polly, who has been getting increasingly disturbed over the months I've been watching the play, was at her worst this time. Her 'oh Potter' exclamation was delivered the way I've always wanted to see it delivered. It didn't seem sudden, or overly hysterical, just annoyed and upset with the whole situation, which somehow made it even more disturbing. This is her life, and she's so used to it that all this creepy stuff only causes her annoyance, and she is disturbed by it, but almost doesn't realise it. We only really realise that this isn't normal because we're seeing it through Scorpius's eyes, and he is definitely freaked out by it. 

I loved this version of the scene in Draco's office, not because it was breathtaking and incredible the way it sometimes is, but because of the quiet way Anthony and Alex were inhabit their characters, and how real the whole thing felt. They didn't do some of the things I love best, but it didn't matter.

Scorpius's presence there seemed to irritate Draco when he first walked in. Scorpius always looks through his papers at the start of this scene, but this time when Scorpius got out from behind the desk, Draco started tidying up after him really briskly, sort of tutting at the mess. 

I also loved how direct and pointed Draco's 'do not use her name in vain' was in this performance. He took a little bit of time on it. He was using it as a teaching point, and you could feel his pain as he said the words. It's like he still can't handle hearing anything about her, or her perceptions of him. 

The most wonderful thing about this scene was just how long it took Scorpius to say his 'did she?' after Draco spoke about Astoria being his light in the darkness. I wonder if that's the most he's ever really heard his dad talk about his mum in over a year. It took him a second to process it and make sense of what he'd said, and the fact that Draco had actually said anything at all to him about her. It was a lovely little moment for Scorpius, probably the moment that gives him hope for his dad. 

I always love the final 'for Voldemort and valour' but this was an especially good one. You could see Scorpius working really hard to make himself do it, and I love the effort he puts in there. Both to be strong with and for his dad, but also because he knows it's what he needs to do if he's going to get Albus back. There's a great sense of collective duty in that moment, between the two Malfoys who both have their role to play in the world despite hating it. 

In the scene with Craig, when Craig said about hating homework, Scorpius sort of batted his copy of A History of Magic against the books in Craig's hand, almost like he was going to knock them out of his hand. He didn't though. That's probably too much of a Scorpion King thing to do for our Scorpius. 

I'm pretty sure the scene between Snape and Scorpius might have been my favourite of this performance. It was something of a revelation actually, in terms of my personal understanding of Scorpius's character. 

There was more of Scorpius's nerdism at the beginning. When he saw Snape he just lit up, and he was grinning and so excited, barely containing himself. It was just like how he was in the First Task scene, overwhelmed and overjoyed. When he said 'but you're the answer' he was almost breathless with excitement, and gave this little laugh of delight, like all his problems had gone away. 

It wasn't just Scorpius that was amazing in this scene though. Snape was just the right amount of exasperated with him, especially when he said about Hogwarts's beloved Scorpion King losing his mind. Scorpius barely seemed to notice though, he was so wrapped up in his excitement, and the possibility of it all, and how close he was to escaping.

The really stunning moment was when Scorpius thought for a beat and came back to talk to Snape about Lily. I've never thought about it this way before, but Scorpius understands loss, and you could feel the connection he was making between his situation and Snape's. When he was talking about Lily he was thinking about his mum, and how losing her had affected him, and how she was his dad's light in the darkness, and how that sort of love can keep you going. And when he was talking about Dumbledore, and how Snape must have felt so alone after losing him, there was a connection to Albus there, because he felt alone in this world too, having lost his only friend. It gave the whole speech such an emotional weight, and Snape was certainly crying as he considered Scorpius's words. He looked at Scorpius and considered him for the longest time, and Scorpius stared back, before he finally drew his wand and cast Colloportus. 

Another of the characters who was sort of a revelation in the Voldemort timeline was Ron. There was a quality to him in this performance that I've never really seen before. Despite all the humour and goofiness, he seemed to shine in Harry's absence. It was like he was this quiet, powerful hero in this world, supporting the others. I've never felt that way before, but it was really cool. 

Also I am slowly falling in love with the connection he and Scorpius seem to develop over the short period their together. At one point in this performance Ron put an arm around Scorpius, and there was an adorable moment where, when Ron said about tickling their nose hairs he reached out and tickled Scorpius' nose. 

One of the random things that happened was that the whole audience laughed when the map showing the route they were going to take between each task, to avoid being outside, was pulled down. I suppose it was a rather dramatic reveal on Ron's part, but still. I enjoyed how much everyone else enjoyed it. 

I thought the part where Scorpius is trying to free himself from the Dementor was especially well done in this performance. Normally Scorpius whines the line about his mother wanting his help, but knowing he can't help, which is fine, but it's not my favourite delivery. But in this show it was more of a desperate whimper, and there was genuine heartbreak to it. I really hope it stays this way, because it's exactly how I'd have wanted that line to be delivered. 

The moment Umbridge appeared and said that Hermione had been seen with them, Scorpius looked so horrified and scared. He was probably having visions of being kissed by the Dementors, and never setting the world to rights. Thankfully, Snape is there to save the day, and the world does get set back to normal.

When Albus came out of the lake, he burst onto the surface with such joy and energy that he splashed several people in the front row, and they all gasped and started laughing and complaining that they were wet. 

I was privileged to be about two feet from Scorpius's Professor McGonagall bum wiggle dance. In fact, he was so close to me that I could hear the water dripping off him. I could have reached out and touched his poor soaking body. And I noticed he's wearing socks, which are of course also wet. It must be awful to have wet socks. I felt a lot of sympathy for him at that moment. 

Draco grabbing him and dragging him off stage was really brutal in this performance. It was very much a case of angry Draco, or rather, very scared Draco. He grabbed Scorpius by the collar and hauled him away. 

I love how Harry completely shuts down when McGonagall says he can't interrupt her. He's angry before that point, but when she says 'you may not' his jaw tightens up (just the way Albus's does), and he turns away and folds his arms, and just glares off into the distance for the rest of the scene. It certainly doesn't help when Draco starts getting all sanctimonious with his 'seems fair', and McGonagall's 'all things considered' comment just makes it even worse. 

The highlight of the scene in Albus's dorm was the moment when Albus says 'Really scared you?' and Harry replies 'yes!' In this performance, Harry's yes was so forceful and emotional that his voice almost cracked. It was almost a bit hysterical. One of the cool things about being in the front row is that you can hear the raw, unmic'd performances some of the time, and that was one of those moments where I heard Jamie's voice from the stage, not from the speakers, and the emotion of it really carried through. 

Oh, and there were fun times in the wings during this scene. There's quite a little congregation of people sitting at the top of the stairs waiting to go on. Jack North was up there, because he's the one who places the gravestone at the start of the dream sequence, and I saw Poppy crawl up to join him too. I think Jeremy might also have been up there as well? Also, in case anyone's interested, there's definitely room to move the staircases around backstage, because they take the staircase from the very front entrance to the stage, to the middle entrance for the Owlery scene. Just one of my more random observations.

The slumber party scene! The beginning was adorable. I don't know how much sense this will make to you all as a description, but if anyone remembers the way Anthony used to whisper 'and wake up everyone in Hogwarts' sort of really over-dramatic and breathed so quietly? He leaned right over Albus and did the same thing with Albus's name, before finally shouting it. And then while Albus was still all discombobulated and half asleep, Scorpius tickled him on the air, and sleepy Albus glared at him. Albus will never need an alarm clock, as long as he has Scorpius. 

This performance's 'it's time time-turning' was one of the slow and grand versions. Scorpius looked at the Time-Turner as he said it, and Albus got this huge grin on his face at Scorpius's ridiculousness. And when Scorpius said he'd been working on the line all day, he said that line quite slowly and grandly too. Very sweet.

More wings action! I saw Anthony doing his quick change before the Owlery scene. They basically rip off their pyjamas, have the base costumes underneath, and then pull the jackets on over the top. I also saw him crawling up onto the stairs. Needless to say, I was paying far more attention to Anthony than I was to the scene going on onstage... 

The interesting thing about Scorpius's attitude to Delphi in the Owlery scene, something I touched on earlier, is that he wasn't really bothered by her being there. He didn't shut down the second she arrived, he was quite happy to look at her and chat to her. When she and Albus got their double act going he curled away into his corner and tried to ignore them, but it wasn't until she mentioned the Rowles that he really started paying attention. And I will never be over how it's the fact that she was never ill that he chooses to mention when he starts calling her out. That particular lie is the thing that wounds him most. He trusted her specifically because of that, and he feels emotionally used by it, as he has every right to be.

God the scene in Hermione's office was cute. Other people have mentioned how Ron has started going down on his knees to re-propose to her, and this time he threw in an improvised 'I can't get up' once he was down there, and she had to help him up. And honestly, when they kissed I actually gasped and swooned a bit. It was amazing. The love radiating off them. I've never felt it so strongly before. 

Another little thing from this scene, when Ron called Scorpius by the wrong name, Draco looked up and sort of appealed to Harry, who shook his head, and Draco tutted and went back to glaring at Ron. 

Draco's 'we need to find out who she is -- now' actually got a laugh from the audience, because it was so exasperated and thrown out as he sprinted offstage. 

I don't think there was anything particularly new in the Quidditch Pitch scene. It was as great as always. Albus looks so small when he collapses onto the ground after Craig is killed. He always looks tiny, but in that moment he looks smaller than ever, knowing that there's nothing he can do to help the situation. 

Basically skipping over the end of Act Three because there's nothing new to add to the conversation that you can't read elsewhere. 

*

I just love watching the second EGM. Draco hovers among the crowd this time, rather than separating himself from it. Hermione's speech is so non-specific, so you can see and hear people whispering, and he glances at them for a brief moment before turning back to listen and deciding to ignore them. It feels like such a long time before Hermione finally clarifies that she's talking about Voldemort's daughter. 

I also adore Draco's look of pure disgust when Ron comes clambering past him up the stairs, and stands above him on them. The hatred between the two of them is glorious. 

Another thing from the stairs, someone pointed out to me that there are two couples up there, and Draco on his own. He's almost totally alone in this whole adventure, and it must be awful for him. I think that's part of why it's so heartwarming when he and Scorpius reconnect and go through Godric's Hollow as a team. 

In the office scene I couldn't see Dumbledore, because the massive pumpkin was right in front of me, blocking him out completely, but I could still see Jamie, which is the important thing (I never watch Dumbledore anyway). Last time I was in the front row Jamie didn't cry real tears, and I was bitterly disappointed, but this time the tears were oh so real. Big, fat tears that splotched everywhere. And after Dumbledore left and he turned round to compose himself his eyes and face were all red. 

Draco didn't do the walking into the room and walking straight back out again thing this time. Alex has found a new way to entertain us all, which is to stand there super awkwardly, and then, when Draco says about this room being his soon enough, giving this ridiculous little 'mwahaha', which makes not only the audience but Harry laugh. 

I was also struck by exactly how stiff and awkward Draco's attempts at small talk are. He just sort of stood there and didn't really know what to do with himself, and he actually got a little bit emotional when all he wanted was to be happy, and admitting that he wasn't good at small talk seemed like a good way to get the subject away from something he clearly found it difficult to discuss.  

Draco was right in front of me during his speech about Astoria, and I could see the tears sparkling in his eyes. He was really welling up while talking about her, especially in the moment where he raises his eyes to the heavens and says about how she always knew she wasn't destined for old age. 

I love how the end of the scene gets briefly heated. Draco's desperation comes out when he insists on finding their sons, and then Harry explodes that they don't know where they are. One of the things Jamie does so well is capturing what being powerless does to Harry. He hates it. It frustrates him, and he feels upset and cooped up. Harry is someone who wants to be out there doing things, and sitting there knowing there's nothing he can do is the worst thing in the world to him, perfectly demonstrated by how he immediately brightens up and starts grinning once they're in Godric's Hollow and ready to save the world. The dire situation doesn't matter to him nearly as much as his ability to affect the outcome of it. As long as he can do something, he's fine. 

Moving on to one of those classic Scorbus scenes (and boy was it a classic). First of all, I will always be enamoured with the way snow gathers in Albus's hair. He looks so beautiful curled up on that doorstep with all the snow everywhere. No wonder Scorpius says what he does. 

When Scorpius started talking about how Albus would be his companion at the return of eternal darkness, Albus was looking down at the ground, but since he was right in front of me I saw this little glowing, genuine smile spread across his face for a moment, before he got up and started teasing Scorpius. 

Sometimes in this scene there's a beautiful moment where the two boys are just there, grinning and messing with each other, their predicament momentarily forgotten. I always wonder what would have happened if Lily hadn't come along. She distracts them from what might have developed into something more. In this show they were standing right next to each other, and Scorpius reached up to try and put Albus's hood up. I still have no idea why he'd bother to try doing that, since Albus's hair is already covered in snow, but it's pretty frigging adorable, especially with the laugh Albus gives as he does it. They were both so handsy with each other in this show, from friendly punches, nudges, shoulder and chest pats, and they were all over each other when Lily showed up and they had to part.

The other beautiful moment in this scene was after Scorpius's eureka moment. He put his hands up to give Albus a high ten, but Albus didn't go for that, he just grabbed hold of Scorpius's hands and squeezed them tight with excitement. Truly adorable. 

Has anyone else noticed how similar the names Dumbledore and Voldemort sound? They're really easy to mix up, and I've been waiting for a while for a cringeworthy moment when one of the actors would say the wrong one. It's even more tricky because they're often used so close together. Anyway, Jamie was the first person I've seen fall foul of this myself. The line 'I beat Voldemort' became 'I beat Dumbledore' before he corrected himself. I think we can let him (and Harry) off for that one. It's an emotional moment. 

I feel like all I've talked about in this entire recap is Alex Price, but I can't help it. He's just too good. Draco's entertainment and delight in the thatched roofs of Godric's Hollow is always something to behold, and in this performance he took a long pause and did a bit of a double take before the farmers' market line. Also, he always checks in with Harry after that line, to see if he's amused by it, which is just perfect. Oh, and I adore how disgusted Draco is with Ron telling him he has nice hair. He looks at Harry as if to say 'this is your best friend, do something about him'. 

Continuing with the Malfoy theme, in this show it was less of a Malfoy hug, and more Malfoy hugs in the plural. Scorpius actually screamed when he came to a stop in front of his dad after sprinting in, and Draco gave him this little smile and beckoned him in. I've never seen Scorpius so delighted to be allowed to hug his dad. He launched himself at him, and they clung to each other so tightly, both of them beaming with delight. After they'd hugged once, they let go, but then they decided they'd rather be hugging, so they started up again. This happened at least twice, but even after that they weren't done. Scorpius held his dad's hand for a moment, Draco ruffled his hair and put an arm round him, and Scorpius eventually ended up with his head resting against his dad's chest. When they finally parted, Draco winked at Scorpius, and Scorpius gave him the most radiant smile in return.

It should also be noted that the whole hug was done while Draco still had the Time-Turner in his hand. It was still out when they got to Scorpius's line wondering how they'd got there without the Time-Turner, so it gave greater meaning to Harry's line telling Scorpius they didn't have time to discuss it, and Draco's subsequent grateful smile. Draco still so obviously had the Time-Turner out that I'm certain Scorpius would have noticed it right at that moment, had Harry not interrupted. (I really want to know when Scorpius and Draco have the conversation about Draco having a Time-Turner. It has to happen at some point...)

A random offstage observation. I noticed someone in the wings during the conversation in the church, and I was absolutely positive there was no scene change or anything coming up soon, so I kept watching them, and they are the person who triggers the light flashes during the Transfiguration! For anyone who hasn't seen the play, as each of the adults' wands connects to the spell to transform Harry into Voldemort, there's this electric flash of light, a bit like lightning, from one of the spotlights. But I guess it has to be specifically triggered, based on when they make the move to join the spell, so there's someone in the wings watching! 

More Malfoy cuteness. During the scene where Albus and Ginny were talking, the two Malfoys were by the door at the back having a real heart to heart (instead of watching for Delphi like they should have been). I think Ron came wandering over to tell them off at one point, but they ignored him and kept on chatting away. I love how quickly the Malfoys figure things out, like they've been waiting for so long to do it, whereas with the Potters it takes months and months. 

I promise I'm trying to find other things to talk about, but I really feel like you should all know that Draco came to crouch on the floor with the boys and Ginny at the end of the fight. He was hugging and protecting Scorpius, and I think Scorpius was holding his hand, because when he tried to get up to go and get Delphi's wand, it took him a moment to extract himself from Scorpius's grip. But it was alright, because Ginny was there to take over and mother both boys. 

I noticed that, when Hagrid came out for his speech in the ruined house, the back of the stage was moving? Along the back wall of the stage there are some wood panels, and above them is some brick work, and during the Godric's Hollow section, the wood panels and brick work are perfectly lined up, but when Hagrid came in from the back, the bricks moved away from the panels until there was a gap there. I'm not sure if this movement happens at other times during the show, but I'd be curious to know. I've never noticed any movement back there before! 

There was an excellent nose boop in the final scene, which is always appreciated. Scorpius's usual flailing was just as ridiculous as always, and when Rose showed up his hair was all ruffled thanks to his robes being wound round his neck. So when Rose did her 'okay, Scorpius King', she reached out and really gently ruffled his hair flat before walking away with a little laugh. It was the least creepy version of that line I've seen in months, which I'm really glad about. I didn't know where Cherrelle was going with the old version, but it had got to the point where it just felt mean. This one didn't feel mean. It was actually a little bit sweet. It made the scene make sense. 

And then there was the Scorbus hug. It was the most ridiculous, awkward, and glorious thing I've ever seen in my life. I may have shrieked a little bit. 

Scorpius started off right at the bottom of the stairs, and he went hesitantly up the stairs, seeming to doubt himself every step of the way. Albus just watched him, with a confused expression on his face. When Scorpius reached Albus's step he stared at Albus for a moment, then very slowly and awkwardly reached out and slide his arms round Albus's waist, while Albus stared down at him with completely incredulity. At his 'what's this?' line, Scorpius withdrew, but he didn't go far. During the next few lines of dialogue he sort of patted Albus awkwardly on the chest and shoulder, and Albus patted him back. Even though it wasn't an extended hug, there was still so much physical contact between the two of them. It might have been one of the best hugs I've seen, and Scorpius seemed delighted by it.

The final scene, as always, was the perfect antidote to everything that had come before it. Tentative and tender, with a final hesitant, but beautiful coming together. It's a joy to see Harry and Albus reconnecting, and figuring things out over the course of those final couple of minutes. 

One of the things I most enjoy about being in the front row is actually the curtain call. You're so close up, and you have the full force of the audience's excitement behind you, and the actors' happiness in front of you. This was a really loud audience, who absolutely loved the show, and they totally lost it at the end. So all the actors were laughing together, especially Jeremy, and Anthony and Alex, who were sharing a private joke. Also, Jamie is so bouncy at the end, when he's leading everyone into and out of the wings. He has this big grin on his face, and sort of skips round, full of energy despite baring his soul on stage for five hours. He's amazing. In fact, everyone in this show is amazing.

This weekend I felt such overwhelming love for every single person on the stage. It was completely wonderful. They're all incredible, and I'm going to be heartbroken to see any of them leave in a couple of months. I just hope they all know how appreciated they are, because they really, truly are loved. 

[haemokin]

Halloween, AMS family style. (DISCONTINUED, SHIPPING OUT)

It would appear that Chara and Amelia never actually went trick-o-treating, or remembers doing so anyway. Being raised by monsters then dying later on, along with being raised by a skeleton that should not exist can make either subject forget their past lives. And so, Frisk must take her family out to trick-or-treat, and keep them all under control. 

Now, how hard could that be?

Genre: humor

Characters: Frisk, Chara, Amelia, Azriel, Caroline and Take

Time set: 31st October.

Rating: K+

“Alright, people, meet up in the living room before we head out!” Frisk called out to all the house’s occupants. She was dressed up as an angel, using part of her Mercy cosplay (the glowing wings and halo), and a white dress. Outside, with the arrival of night, kids were walking in groups or alone, looking like various monsters of legend and recent times. Though the 7 year old in a Hans costume walking pass her window may be taking the idea too far. “What do you think?” a low voice asked from behind. Frisk turned and her eyes met Chara…. wearing her standard sweater and brown pants, but said clothing was stained with blood, as if she had taken a red paint brush and had gone wild with it. Her hair appeared to be matted with blood here and there as well. The look triggered a flashback in Frisk. First time she’d seen her, this was the look. Swallowing the sudden lump in her throat, Frisk said “Wow…. where’d you get all that blood?” “Oh, I just took the red paint. Hope you don’t mind.” Something akin to a mirror getting smashed happened in her head. “….how much did you use?” Frisk asked quietly. Now it was Chara’s turn to swallow. “Just the 1 canister in the cupboard…” she began in an offhand voice, concealing the feeling that was labeled as “You done goofed.”. “Does this wor-….k?” Amelia’s voice faltered, walking into the living room and seeing a witch stomping towards Chara, fingers flexing and un flexing. Said witch was shaken out of whatever she was about to do and looked her sister up and down, and paled considerably, one eye bursting wide open. “You know…when I said “Something scary…”…” Frisk trailed off. Amelia was wearing her anti-monster cult mask and cloak, and a plastic serrated knife was held in her right hand. “Well…this IS scary, right?” the X leader said, shuffling her feet. “Yeah sweetie, I also look scary, right?” Chara asked her wife. The angel pinched her nose and sighed. “Technically yes, but I was thinking something like-” “Mommy, how do i look?” Azriel’s voice asked from the stairway. The three dorketeers moved out of the living room and into the landing. At the top of the stairs, Azriel had moved his bandana over his mouth, and was wearing a cowboy hat, brown shirt and pants, with a holster that’s belt slung over his shoulder and looked like cheap leather. The holster had a bright orange plastic gun inside. What gave the costume the identifying feature of not a terrorist, was a golden 6-pointed badge that was pinned to his brown shirt, just over his heart. “Te-Sheriff?” Chara caught herself at the look Frisk shot her. “Yep!” the boy exclaimed. “Where’s Caroline?” Amelia asked him. His green eyes turned to his left, and he exhaled. “Ah…” he stopped. “What?” all 3 adults asked at the same time. “Wait for it…” Azriel told them. Exactly a second later,a tiny comet of black and purple smashed into his side and he fell as what appeared to be a dragon squeezed the life out of him. “Caroline…stop…” the sheriff eventually made out as the adults stared at this display of affection. The dragon (essentially black and purple sponge squares and triangles taped to her like wings and red claw extensions) released him, and Caroline’s face was visible amongst the costume. “Are you a dragon?” Frisk asked what seemed to be an obvious question, but Caroline shook her head. “Ei-dolan.” she said. Everyone looked at each other. “I showed her Final Fantasy XIII. Liked Bahamut, so…” Azriel trailed off, looking at his sister, who was flapping her wings and roaring what was probably supposed to be menacingly, but in truth it made Frisk want to run up and hug her for being the purest thing ever. The mother turned away before losing herself. “L-lets go. All your costumes are amazing.” she told everyone. 

The family walked as a pack along the pavement of the neighborhood, children all around, running across streets and knocking on doors. Take trotted behind them, stuffed into a pumpkin costume that covered the majority if his grey body. “So basically….we can do…what they are doing.” Chara looked at herself and the adults. “Yes, there is no age limit. Mostly. It’s just adults usually are busy during Halloween.” Frisk answered, glancing back at Chara and Amelia, both in their totally different category of scary. “Ok dad, watch me and Caroline do that house!” Azriel told Chara, and with Frisk’s nod of approval, the two kids ran up the porch stairs and Caroline knocked on the door, their small Jack-o-lantern buckets hit behind their backs. The ladies moved a tad closer. The oak white door opened, and a tall blonde woman was framed in the doorway. “Trick or treat!” the two declared, and presented their little buckets above them, Azriel’s bucket barely reaching the woman’s chest. “Ok then, give me a moment…” the woman reached for a bowl on a nearby table and withdrew a generous amount of candy for each of them. As the candy began to hit the thin plastic bottom with “thick” and “thock” sounds, the children nodded their approval and said “Thanks!”, Caroline just making a low “roaaaar”. “You kids have fun now, run along.” The door closed, and Azriel and Caroline came back to the angel and demons. “See Dad? It’s that simple!” the boy looked up at Chara, who was scratching the back of her neck. “Uh….I’m not to sure…” she began. Frisk was about to say some nice, encouraging words when Amelia butted in with her encouraging words. “Come on, you can probably scare them half to death and get more candy than the children combine!” Wait. “Amelia, that’s not the point to-” “Is that a challenge?” the demon asked Frisk’s sister, her eyes suddenly glowing a deep shade of red, and a smirk cutting itself into a side of the pale face. 

*Ooooooh dear*

Sarah eased herself back into the chair in the living room, though she guessed she would be back on her feet in mere minutes, if not seconds. But she could use those precious moment to continue watching- 

*KNOCK KNOCK*

Never mind. Sarah suppressed a sigh that may be heard through the door as she walked towards it, hoping the child would at least be cute to make it worth it, like those 2 kids just now. She began to open the door and looked down, expecting a kid, who’s height barely reached her knee. So when she saw brown long pants that had some blood on them and black shoes, confusion struck the blonde for a second. She looked up, and came face to face with glowing red pupils, that stared straight into her soul. In a hellish voice, the person growled “Trick. Or. Treat.” Sarah looked down to see the mouth peeling open into a maniacal smile, and black liquid was oozing out of the eyes and pouring out the mouth, dirtying her slippers. Wait, why should she care about that, there was a ****in demon on her porch! Her right hand searched and patted the cabinet for the glass bowl that was up to the brim with candy of all sorts. “H-here, take it-j-just leave me ALONE!” she screamed the last word as the demon shot her face onward by an inch, and snarled, and red and black scribbles seemed to fill her peripheral vision. Her hand slipped, the sound of the bowl smashing onto the floor, the ceiling, and nothing.

“TRICK OR-oops.” Chara stopped the act when the woman fainted and hit the carpeted floor with a heavy “THUMP!”. Hurried footsteps came from behind, and her shoulders touched Frisk’s and Amelia’s, and her legs were held by the kids. “Uh….I can…explain….” the demon said slowly, after 5 solid seconds of awkward silence. The crumpling of plastic and glass shards being moved woke the adults out of their stun,and all looked down to see the source of the noise. Azriel and Caroline had taken another handful of candy and had shoved it into their buckets. Chara looked as if she was about to say something morally correcting, then stopped and bent down to take the lion’s share. “Sorry sis.” Amelia told Frisk before getting on her knees and taking a fistful while moving the glass shards out of harms way. Frisk let this happen for a second more before clearing her throat. 5 pairs of eyes looked straight at her-Take, who was watching from the porch, responded to the sound. “People, this isn’t right, let’s wake her up and Chara, you better apologize.” she eyed her wife, who muttered something that sounded like “Yeah,ok.” And so she did, to the blonde’s pale face and blank look of shock on her face. The facial expression didn’t change when the family left, Chara closing the door gently. 

“Well that was a disaster.” Frisk commented as they made their way through the neighbourhood, reaching yet another house. “I’ll try the next house, ok?” Amelia told her sis, who considered. “Ok, you try it solo and then the rest of us go.” she relented. Amelia jumped and practically skipped the last few feet to the house, smile only growing wider and wider as she hopped up the stairs and pulled down her old AMC mask, both welcoming and hating the old feeling that returned to her. The sudden difficulty to breathe, the vision that had a red tint, the warmth of her breath covering her mouth. But at the same time, the intended usage of this mask was gonna be glorious. Who wouldn’t want free candy, after all… She pushed the doorbell, and got her plastic pumpkin bucket behind her back. She’ll show Chara how to actually trick-or-treat… The door clicked, and the white oak door opened to reveal a man wearing a green shirt and white boxers, and his eyes widened at the sight of the cloaked figure, and more particularly, the red mask that replaced the face. “Trick Or Treat!” Amelia chimed, presenting the bucket. He had a similar reaction to Sarah, not that she Amelia knew that. Widening eyes, back stepping, arms scrambling for the sweets. “Just take it, don’t hurt me!” he said, the normally strong man reduced to Jello, tossing fistfuls of candy at the cloaked figure. Amelia, meanwhile, raised her bucket to receive the shotgun-blasts of candy. “Uh…mister, are you alright?” she asked after thinking she got enough, lowering her bucket. “ST-STAY THE **** AWAY!” he screamed, and rushed and kicked the door shut. Amelia stood on the porch for a second, then shrugged and went back to her family, somewhat proud of herself. “Got it!” she presented her bucket to Frisk, who glanced at the contents. “Hey Caroline look, Aunt Amelia has some toffee stuck in the folds of her cloak, let’s grab it!” Azriel notified his sister, and they began conducting a body search on her person. She ignored this successfully, and the children earned themselves 5 pieces of candy, stuck to her cloak because there was a tear in them, and it was leaking out a bit. Frisk looked at her suspiciously, but decided to now question and just go with it, going up with the rest of the family to trick-or-treat the house. Amelia examined a nearby tree for the 3 minutes they were gone. When they came back, Frisk didn’t look as happy as she was before. “What, the guy didn’t give you as much candy?” the sister asked. “No, he told me that a cult member had come and trick-o-treated him and told Chara to try and find the member and punch them in the face.” the ambassador answered through grit teeth, and a blue shine pierced through her brown hair. “Oh.”

The next hour and a half was under very strict supervision from Frisk, the entire family moving as a pack around the neighbourhood.

[athousandrows-blog]

The Magician [ACT 1]

[ACT 2]

I have a very clear memory of going to see a magic show when I was five.

It was in Ireland; we went to a venue there located on the top of a cliff.

I remember the bright blue and purple carpet as we walked in, the bar that stretched down the entire right side of the reception area. On the left, down a set of stairs that staggered downwards, there was a casino filled with bright flashing lights and obnoxiously loud drill sounds. It was a big place, and I remember feeling a tingling sensation at the base of my diaphragm.

I remember feeling as though real magic had surrounded me.

The magic show was amazing, but even at a young age I was able to figure out how many of the tricks had worked. There were simple ones, like making a rabbit appear out of a hat, or a dove being pulled from the magician’s sleeve, but as the show progressed, the tricks grew more complicated.

The magician’s finisher consisted of a large cage being rolled on stage. The magician’s lovely red haired assistant was told to enter the cage, and she did it with a flamboyant wave of her hands and hips. She posed in the cage and smiled to the audience, then she disappeared under a large purple sheet that the magician had thrown overhead.

We all watched in anticipation as the magician waved his hands. Seconds later, the sheet was pulled.

The assistant was gone.

In her place stood a real live tiger.

The audience roared with applause, but even as I stared at the tiger, even as my parents rose in a standing ovation at my sides, I could see the trap door beneath the cage. I knew how the trick was done. But the magic tingling inside of me didn’t dissipate. At that age, I wasn’t quite sure why.

As I grew older, I became obsessed with magic tricks and how they worked. I would buy all the magic kits my parent’s money could afford, I’d read books about tricks, and I lost count of how many live shows I watched – entranced - as the magicians performed.

But then, as they usually do, things changed.

As the years passed, the internet became more popular. Websites were designed specifically dedicated to debunking magic tricks. The magic of understanding how a trick was performed trickled away. There was no magic when anyone could find the answers they were looking for by typing a few words into Google.

My interest in magic fizzled out through the years, leaving nothing left of it but a sour taste in my personality. As I grew older, I began to forget about my earliest interest and as I graduated school and moved onto University, magic became the last thing on my mind.

It was only when I graduated University that one of my friends invited me to a show.

She’d bought tickets for the five of us as a sort of ‘coming of age’ gift. Even though we were all well into our twenties and most of us had steady jobs, we made the time to indulge her.

I remember that for the first time in two decades, my memory of that cliff face in Ireland emerged in my mind, as did the tingling in my chest as all those people had applauded the gaudy little magician on stage. For the first time in two decades, I wanted that feeling back.

I was ready to hate the show.

The back of my mind droned on automatic, replaying all the old tricks I’d memorised as a kid. I was ready to go in there, arms folded, and casually list off answers to the tricks as the magician performed them. I knew my friends would hate me for it, but that wouldn’t stop me.

The venue was big and shockingly crowded. I guess after all these years I’d assumed people would have grown bored of magicians, especially when most people knew how the tricks worked. Some people liked to live in ignorant bliss, I conceded. Some refused to learn what they needed to debunk tricks so they could keep the magic ‘real.’ Some part of me wished I’d done that, too. Some part of me was relieved I hadn’t.

When we were seated, we talked amongst ourselves until the lights went out. The audience bristled with excitement; you could feel the energy in the air, buzzing around our ears like white noise. Talking turned to murmured whispers turned to silence and suddenly a spotlight hit the stage.

Five seconds later a man emerged from the left. He strode on stage, a cane in his hand, though he was far too young to need it for anything other than show. He wore a very typical magician’s suit and tie, right down to the tailcoat that swished behind him. His hair was long, dark and wavy, falling in relaxed curves around his shoulders. He wore a tall top hat, which he tipped towards the audience in an overt gesture as they laughed and applauded.

To mark off the look, he had a moustache, bushy and curled at the corners but far too large and ostentatious to be real. He bowed his head - making his hair fall forwards - before rocking back on his heels to his original position, straight as a ruler. I clapped my hands, but didn’t smile. The act was already far too typical for me.

Once the audience had calmed down, the magician raised his kid-gloved hands. With a sly smile and wink, he gestured to himself. “For my first trick,” he announced, grabbing the lapels of his jacket, “I would like to invite you to a different kind of show.”

With a quick movement, he ripped the jacket from his body, revealing a plain t-shirt underneath. I heard a few people gasp. I looked to my friends, they all seemed to be just as confused as I was.

The magician continued. He untied his bowtie and threw it off stage along with his cane. He took his hat in his hands and propelled it into the audience. A few people screamed as they fought over the prize. Finally, he ripped the moustache from his face, wincing only slightly as he shoved it into his trouser pocket. He peeled his gloves off before raising his hands again.

“Just as my outfit was an illusion, so is this show!” he declared. “Tonight you will see a mixture of my abilities. Some will be magic tricks, others will be as real as you and I!” As he finished his sentence, two stage hands in black rolled a large human-sized water tank onto the stage.

“Some of you may be acquainted with this trick,” the man said, waggling his finger at the audience. “But I assure you, this isn’t magic. I’m sure you will have seen tricks like this performed with a sheet over the tank, obscuring your view. This is so you don’t see the magician in question struggle… of course you never get to see the answer to your questions, either. Well!” He raised his hands. “Tonight you will all receive an answer for every trick I perform. Including this one.”

The stage hands returned with two sets of hand cuffs. The magician winked. “If any of you are squeamish, you may not want to look. There is no magic in this trick, for all I will need to do is dislocate parts of my body to escape. There are no sheets, for I have nothing to hide. Every move I make to get out, you will see. And if I fail, you will see that too.”

I was on the edge of my seat. A similar tingle in my chest to the one on that cliff face in Ireland returned to me. But this time it buzzed like a swarm of angry bees, roiling inside of my whole torso in sick anticipation. A few of my friends began to mutter unsurely, but at least two of them were watching like I was; only their eyes betrayed their fear.

The magician did as he had promised. He was lowered into the tank with both his arms and legs cuffed. The second his whole body was submerged, the stage hands closed the tank’s top. That’s when the timer started.

No one watched the seconds tick by; our attention was focused solely on the magician. With his breath held, he began to contort his body, expertly dislocating joints in his wrists and arms to pull himself free of his restraints. The audience gasped and murmured as his body moved in impossible angles. Some people looked away, but the majority of the audience didn’t. Or rather, perhaps they couldn’t.

It was entrancing seeing a man bend his body in such ways. When he grabbed the key at the bottom of the tank for the binds around his ankles, one of his wrists was still dislocated. A few horrified shrieks echoed through the auditorium. One of my friends suppressed a gag. I could only stare in morbid fascination.

As he fiddled with the key - trying to get a good grip with only his left hand available to him - I could see his chest begin to spasm. An air bubble escaped his mouth. The audience got louder, more restless, but I didn’t dare move. I watched the magician struggle as more bubbles burst from his mouth. He turned the key three times before the cuffs unlocked.

In a flurry of movement, he surged upwards, pushing the top of the tank up with a burst of strength. As his head broke from the water, the audience gasped with relief. I heard a few whimpers, but in seconds the audience were on their feet in a standing ovation, cheering the mad magician on.

I joined them. I wasn’t sure why, but I did. The energy in the audience was too infectious; the morbid possibility of certain death had infected me. I cheered as loudly as the audience around me, clapping so hard that my hands came away stinging and sore.

But that was just the beginning of the act.

The magician continued; he debunked his tricks as he went, showing us mirrors, hidden pockets in his costume changes, even the apparatus behind some of his more complicated tricks. In others, there were no illusions, just simple points of fact. Card tricks he’d memorised, hypnotic tricks that successfully befuddled the mind. But it was the dangerous tricks I enjoyed the most.

He finished his act with his assistant, a stocky female who hadn’t seen the light of the stage all evening. She wore a simple suit and tie; two diamond cufflinks glittered on her wrists. Other than that, there was no bounce in her step, no performance at all. She walked silently to a large wooden target three times her size that had been rolled onto the stage. She didn’t blink.

“For my final trick,” the magician announced, “I will need the use of my assistant here.”

The assistant nodded stiffly. A few people chuckled warily, unnerved by her standoffishness.

“As many of my tricks tonight have been, this one is entirely real,” the magician said. As he spoke, the stage hands rolled a metal tray to his side. The tray was lined with a set of very real blades.

I nearly fell off my chair.

The magician fingered one of the blades. He picked it up in his left hand, using his right to gently press his index finger to the tip of the blade. The cameras that were focused on his close-ups caught the spot of blood that immediately blossomed from the wound.

The audience began to mutter again.

“This trick is assuredly dangerous,” the magician said with a wicked glint in his eye. “I would ask that none of you try anything similar at home.”

Before we could even react, the magician struck. His body blurred in one fierce move. His arm snapped backwards, the knife perfectly poised in his grip, then his arm shot forwards and the blade withdrew.

Several people screamed as the blade imbedded itself an inch from the assistant’s right ear. The assistant hadn’t moved, but the camera zoomed in on the sweat that beaded around her head, trickling down the side of her face. Her eyes stared lazily at the magician, as though she wasn’t quite convinced that what had happened was even real.

I believed it, though. So did the rest of the audience.

The magician picked up a piece of ribbon from the table. He tied it around his face, covering his eyes. He drew his hand along the table again, feeling for the handle of another blade.

The audience was alive in panic. One of my friends had a low-voiced argument with the person sat next to her before she stood and stormed out of the auditorium. A few others followed her lead, but not many. I continued to stay seated, my eyes fixed on the sweating assistant and the blindfolded magician.

He made another shot, then another, then another. The second knife imbedded itself close to the assistant’s side. The third hit just above the crown of her head.

The fourth and final shot grazed her thigh.

It cut through the material of her trousers with a sharp tear of cloth. Blood sprang from the wound almost immediately, but even from this angle I could tell the wound wasn’t life threatening.

Most of the audience saw what I saw, but a lot of others yelled out in shocked outrage. A dozen more left all at once. A few left minutes later, as though the shock had taken its sweet time to set in.

Only the friend who had bought the tickets was sat next to me now. The other three had cleared out after they’d seen the assistant’s blood spatter onto the stage.

The magician took off his blindfold, completely unsurprised to see his assistant crouched to the ground, clasping her wound in bewilderment. Only now did her eyes seem to register what was happening, but even still, she didn’t look angry. Instead, she seemed rather subdued. The magician nodded to her and she stood straight, bowing to the audience awkwardly before two stage hands helped her limp behind the curtain.

“All tricks come with a margin for error, it’s what keeps us uncertain, it’s what keeps us on our toes.” The magician looked out to his remaining audience, raising his hands. “I have been the Truth Teller, goodnight!”

A puff of smoke erupted from the stage and the Truth Teller ran off.

I rose into applause, as did most of the audience. My friend remained seated and as my eyes scanned the seats, I noticed a few did the same. Some of them looked pale in the dim light. Other’s eyes were red and splotchy. A few people started to leave immediately, others simply sat in silent shock, mentally exhausted by what they had seen.

The energy inside of me was amazing. As I left the auditorium and joined my friends at the bar, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. The show had been the most entertaining thing I’d ever witnessed, miles better than the gaudy little magician from Ireland and his live tiger trick. I washed down my buzz with a double whiskey, but my body still tingled all over. The magic was real inside of me. I never wanted the euphoria to end.

My friends were not as excitable as I was, and after a few rounds of drinks, they decided to head home.

I decided to stay behind.

I ordered another drink, watching as the audience slowly trickled out. I overheard a few conversations.

“Absolutely horrendous, who let’s that happen in a live performance?” one woman asked.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” a grey haired man said, his eyes glazed with astonishment.

“That guy’s gonna get himself arrested, how the Hell is doing something like that even legal?”

I listened to them all, sipping my drink and staring idly at my phone.

When the bell for last calls rang, I felt someone tap me on the shoulder.

“Did you enjoy the show?”

Behind me stood the Truth Teller. He wore the same t-shirt from his act, but now he was in jeans and a leather jacket. With his long hair and soft eyes he could have been a discount Jesus. He certainly didn’t seem like a man capable of injuring his assistant for the purpose of a show.

I stood from my seat, eager to shake his hand.

“Your show was amazing,” I said hurriedly, shaking my head. “I-words can’t describe how much I enjoyed it.”

His eyes crinkled with a smile.

We sat at the bar together. I offered to buy him a round, but he turned me down, buying the two of us three drinks instead. The bar remained open for us and as the final patrons scurried out, we got to talking.

“My real question is how?” I said, my voice lightly slurred. “How the Hell did you get a magic show like that so popular? A show with no actual magic?”

The Truth Teller shrugged, sipping his drink. “A lot of people pay to be tricked, that’s true,” he conceded, “but more will pay to find the truth behind those tricks.” He grinned. “But that’s not quite as magical.”

“But it is,” I insisted, then softened. “I… I used to watch shows all the time as a kid and none of them compared to how I felt coming out of yours.”

The Truth Teller’s lip quirked. “Is that so?”

“Swear on my life.”

The Truth Teller bumped his glass with mine. “Then I’ll tell you my other secret.” He paused for dramatic effect. “People love danger. A trick isn’t complete without it. If you pull a dove from your sleeve, the biggest danger to you is getting pecked on the finger. But throwing a knife at someone’s head? Submerging yourself in water? Well, why do you think Houdini was so popular?”

I gave the Truth Teller another once over. “So… the thing with your assistant wasn’t an accident?”

The Truth Teller smiled secretively. “It’s more of a surprise. Some nights it may go wrong, others she comes out completely unscathed.”

“And she signed up to do that?”

“Of course.” The Truth Teller winked. “You’d be surprised what kinds of people there are out there.”

“Are you doing any more shows?” I asked after another swig of my drink. I tried to hide the desperation in my voice, but I knew it was still achingly present. After living so long without ever feeling a rush anywhere close to that, I couldn’t wait until I could feel it again. I needed it.

The Truth Teller pushed his drink away with one hand. He examined the small wound on his right index finger. He seemed to consider something before smiling. “You’re in luck.”

He turned to me, his dark eyes imploring. “I’m doing another set of shows at a venue not far from here. It’s small, so there’s no guarantee you’d get a ticket if you tried to buy a seat but…” He slipped a hand into the inside pocket of his leather jacket and extracted a rectangular card. “This will ensure access to the first show,” he promised, placing the card into my waiting hand.

I stared at it numbly.

It was a tarot card, or at least it looked like one. The card was of a black and white picture of a castle tower; a flame was burning from somewhere inside the window.

“The venue’s called The Tower,” the Truth Teller said, his eyes sparkling with humour. “Although that might have been obvious.”

I held the card close to my chest. “What’s the address to this venue?”

“I’ll text it to you,” the Truth Teller said.

I perked up. “Seriously?”

“Of course.” He grinned. “Anyone who enjoys my shows as much as you I consider a close friend.”

[ruffsficstuffplace]

The Keeper of the Grove (Part 12)

Though Candela was always grossly incandescent at night, it was never brighter than during the Eve of the Ether, the pinnacle of Avalon’s annual, realm-wide power surge; not even the incredibly festive, religiously celebrated, and much more profitable Feast of the Shepherd could match.

All manner of displays, hologram generators, and sound emitters littered every street corner, the source of the “hauntings” in storefronts, buildings, and residences, visited for that night by giggling and grinning “Shades” and other ghastly apparitions. Drones and salespeople hawked spooky specials and eerie events just for the night for the citizens and swarms of tourists trotting about in costumes, looking for candy and other delights, or victims for pranks and frights. The street lamps had been changed to shades of oranges, pinks, and greens in keeping with the season, bathing everything in an unnerving glow.

Far above them, the dirigibles were working overtime, spraying a cool fog over the city to add to the atmosphere and keep everyone cool.

Those who wore particularly elaborate costumes, and had been unable to afford or unwilling to install internal cooling systems were especially grateful, like a full-scale, 14-foot tall and several hundred-pounds heavy replica of the iconic Shepherd Suit MK II, constructed and piloted by one ambitious history buff and engineer who should have really sprung for better heat sinks.

Young Winter didn’t have the same problem as she pranced about dressed like the Holy Shepherd herself, Captain Piorina “Piper” Nikos. Her “leather” jacket wasn’t real, and her energy lance didn’t fire plasma-blasts, just harmless bursts of energy, but her hat was an actual, Starfarer Captain’s Cap, worn, aged, and still holding on even through the centuries, even if it did smell more that a little funny.

Nevermind that it was too large for her tiny head, that the visor kept falling over her eyes, and that she kept blindly running into things, lamp posts, and other people’s ankles because seeing required a free hand and holding her prop-rifle required both—she was Captain Piper, the Holy Shepherd, and she wouldn’t let being unable to see in front of her (or in any other direction, for that matter) slow her down!

“Winter, no!” her mother cried.

“Captain Piper” felt a shepherd’s crook catch her around her neck and gently pull her backwards, just in time to stop her from taking one more step off the curb and into the land-bound cars plying the streets.

“Mission Control to Captain Piper: we strongly advise you don’t go running off like that again,” Silsa “Snowy” Schnee said as she scooped her daughter up into her arm, the crook of her Sacred Steward costume tucked in the other. “We don’t know what might be lurking out there, and I don’t intend to have you finding out firsthand, my little snowbunny!” she scolded playfully.

Winter looked at her mother.

“Little more to the left,” Snowy said.

Winter looked at where her mother actually was. “But moooommm…!” she whined. “I’m Captain Piper! I go forth, into the Brave Unknown, even if it’s dark, scary, and/or dangerous!”

Snowy sighed. “You forgot she almost never left without her trusty crew if she could help it—just don’t go running off like that again, okay?”

“But there could be treasure, people who need my help, or even a whole new Avalon out there, waiting to be found!”

“How about TWO new plushies if you stay in orbit around me, Captain?”

Winter paused. “Treasure, people who need my help, and those other Avalons can wait!” she cried triumphantly.

“That’s more like it, Captain,” Snowy chuckled, before she pulled Winter’s hat off and nuzzled her on the cheek. She yelped and giggled, before she nuzzled her right on back.

Snowy moved them to someplace less crowded and less laden with tempting distractions and attractive storefronts; she found a bench to sit on, and rested their props beside them. “So, Captain,” she asked as she hoisted Winter onto her lap, “where do we set sail to next?”

Winter pulled out her mother’s comm-crystal, a 3D hologram of Candela’s commercial district popping out before their eyes. She hummed and put her hand on her chin, trying to figure out where they hadn’t gone to yet that evening. Snowy gently lifted her cap up above the level of her eyes, and she began to actually read and decide on the points of interest on the map.

“Oooh, oooh!” Winter bounced in her lap. “Can we go to the Candy Kingdom?”

Snowy glared at her. “Captain, you both know we definitely won’t be able to control ourselves in there; we might be able to resist for a while, but it’s all over once we either of us get a Flicker Stick in our mouths.”

“The Haunted Halls?”

Snowy snorted and rolled her eyes. “You've seen it once, you’ve seen it all, and it wasn’t even that good in the first place! They won’t even let you stay if you want to make fun of how bad all the effects are! Horror and comedy both live and die by timing, people!”

Winter looked at the model once more, squinting her eyes in serious thought, until she realized that made it impossible to read the text. As she opened her eyes again, she found the answer right in front of her.

“I got it! I got it!” she said, bouncing and pointing excitedly at a theater in the hologram.

Snowy gently pulled Winter’s hand back to stop the info-box from popping up then resetting over and over again. “The Shadow Friends Theater Company presents: ‘Into The Woods: The Terrible Tale of the Keeper of the Grove’ at the Golden Days Theater...” she read.

“You love history and culture, right?” Winter chirped.

“Yes, I do,” Snowy replied, “which is exactly why I’m having second thoughts about this...”

“What’s wrong?” Winter asked. “Is it because it’s the Keeper? She’s not even that creepy!” she said.

As if on cue, a whole group of Keepers of the Grove came walking past; it was hard to feel intimidated in the slightest when their costumes were clearly mass-produced from barely modified templates, and more so that there was a Fat Keeper, a Tall Keeper, a Short Keeper, and a Really-Didn’t-Want-To-Do-This-But-Had-No-Choice-In-The-Matter Keeper all walking right next to each other.

“She will be if the Shadow Friends make good on their promise to be ‘loyal to the legend’...” Snowy muttered as she looked at the group in a mixture of disappointment and annoyance.

Winter turned off the hologram and faced her mother. “Come on, mom!” she whined. “Can we go see it, pleeeassseeee…?”

Even with the antique cap obscuring her face, Snowy could still feel those adorable eyes looking right into her own, melting her heart and her resolve—if anything, it probably made them even more effective than usual.

She sighed, defeated. “Are you sure you can handle it? It’ll probably be SUPER scary.”

Winter puffed her cheeks up. “Captain Piper is not scared of anything! She’s the bravest human who ever lived!”

Snowy smiled and tilted her cap up so she could actually look her in the eyes. “Bravery is being scared,  but going on anyway, Winter.”

“Whatever!” Winter replied. “So can we go there? Please?”

Snowy sighed playfully. “Well, you ARE the Captain, and I am only your humble Steward...”

Winter beamed. “Yay!” she wrapped her arms around her mother, her hat falling off her head. “I love you, mom!”

Snowy snatched it out of the air with one hand, and hugged her back with the other. “I love you too, Winter...” she hummed as she put the cap back on.

As streaming and home entertainment systems became more and more advanced, cheap, and readily available to the population, lovers of theater had lamented and spokespeople of AV equipment companies had bragged about how one day, the age of people wanting to take the effort to dress up and leave home to go watch a play or a movie would end.

Everyone—from the average audience member to the most discerning critics—would be enjoying productions and shows broadcasted live to their HoloVision receivers in their homes, or accessed through their comm-crystals and tablets, anywhere and anytime they wanted, at the fraction of the cost and with infinitely more convenience.

And just like with the Plushie Palace, the theaters, auditoriums, and stages did not all die out, they simply adapted and gave their audiences what their technomagical counterparts could not.

The interior of the Golden Days Theater harked back to times long, long past, with authentic hardwood walls, red velvet carpeting, and soft, warm “gas lamps” on the walls supported by brass sconces.

Suited men and finely dressed women greeted them and took their coats, sashes, crooks, guns, and hats from them; Winter wasn’t too happy about losing any part of her costume, to say the least, but the employee in charge of the coat closet assured her that their antique feel didn’t extend to the security of their patrons’ belongings.

“See?” he said as Winter’s antique cap was surrounded by a protective bubble, before being carefully hanged on a stand with many others.

Winter grumbled, still upset at her new favourite hat being treated that way, but Snowy just thanked them and coaxed her further in.

A tall, gaunt man wearing a crooked top-hat, a black jacket with coattails, and long, white gloves greeted them. “Good evening, madams,” he said as he bowed politely, pulling his hat off his head and pressing it to his chest. “My name is Dino, and on behalf of the Shadow Friends Theater Company, I welcome you, to what we hope will be a tantalizing, enchanting, and terrifying evening with us, as we bring back from the mists of time and right before your eyes the art of Shadow Puppetry, to the Terrible Tale of the Keeper of the Grove...” he hummed in a low, melodious voice.

“For legal purposes, we must tell you that children and their parents sit separately, with the young ones seated just before the stage, the adults some distance back, but still within sight of your dear ones; this is to allow space for us to let our productions truly…” he smiled “… jump at you.”

“I don’t like the sound of that one bit,” Snowy muttered.

“What do you mean?” Winter asked, fascinated.

Dino dropped the theatrics in his voice. “A costumed member of our company will prowl either section at the climax of our play, and give one member of the audience a scare. Nothing violent, sudden, or particularly mean-spirited mind you--” he smiled again, returning to his old voice “--but when you are under the spell of theater, it can give you quite the fright.”

Snowy frowned. “Winter, I don’t think we should do this...”

Dino hummed. “Your mother makes a fair point, little one; the Terrible Tale of the Keeper of the Grove is not for the faint of heart, nor for children under the age of 5, especially those not accompanied by their parents.”

“Then it’s a good thing I’m six now, and my mom’s here with me!” Winter chirped, smiling proudly.

“Winterrrr...” Snowy started.

Dino walked over to her and knelt down, bringing himself down to just a little above her head. “Not afraid to be scared?” he asked.

Winter shook her head. “I’m brave—like Captain Piper! I go on even if I’m scared!”

Dino smiled, and chuckled. “And where would we all be, had our Holy Shepherd not been so? But still, the decision rests with your mother,” he said as he stood back up to his full height.

He turned back to Snowy, and bowed slightly. “Madam..?”

She sighed heavily. “She is my Captain for tonight...” she said, smiling.

Dino put his hands together. “Wonderful. Now, I’m sure you are aware of the fees we must charge, to keep this ancient art alive…?” he asked.

Snowy laughed and pulled out one of her credit cards. “That won’t be a problem at all, believe you me...”

Dino smiled. “Wonderful.”

“I thought I was going to be just fine, so long as mom was there with me,” Winter said, shaking hands clutching Eluna tightly. “I was wrong.

“So VERY wrong...”